One of the best running backs to play high school football in Texas and former Texas A&M Aggie and NFL player, Rodney Thomas died Saturday night at his home in Groveton. The cause of death is not known pending an autopsy. The 41-year old Thomas led Groveton to back-to-back state championships in 1989 and 1990, and ranked fifth all time on the Texas high school rushing list with over 8,400 yards. Thomas was the Aggies’ leading rusher for four straight seasons. His pro career included the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons during a seven-year NFL career. Thomas had reportedly been living in Spring, with his wife and 4-year old child, and often visited Groveton on business and to see his mother and other relatives. Thomas also served as an assistant coach in Timpson several years ago.

The Bass Federation and FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, will host a Student Angler Federation High School Fishing Open on Lake Sam Rayburn, Sunday, June 22. The tournament will offer high school anglers the chance to experience the intensity of the major tournament competition while testing their own bass-fishing skills against their peers. Leading up to the tourney, a block party will be held in downtown San Augustine, next Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. as pro anglers, music, food and prizes will be available. Those interested in fishing the tourney need to contact Terry Sympson at Jackson Hill Marina at 936-872-9266.

There will be a benefit Skeet Shoot with all the proceeds going to Trooper Zack Mills and Game Warden Henry Alvardo, who were both injured in the line of duty. Zack is currently recuperating at home and undergoing rehab for his injuries. Henry is currently awaiting another surgery in a Beaumont Hospital. Both of them have a long road to recovery and numerous forthcoming expenses that will not be covered by any compensation other than their own. The Skeet Shoot will be held at the Fairway Farms in San Augustine Saturday, June 21 starting at 9:00am. Each gun will cost $60 with a BBQ lunch being provided. There will also be a gun auction held that will include a Beretta (A400) Semi-Auto 12 gauge shotgun, and a Marlin 30/30 rifle with wood grain stock. **Fairway Farms is 5.9 miles East of San Augustine on HWY 21 East.** For more information contact: John Welch at the Center Police Department at 936-598-2788, or Sgt. Shannon Brazeal at the San Augustine Police Department at 936-275-3400.