Rochester Region (Section V) Coach of the Week
Padilla head coach Dennis Thomas was named the Rochester region Coach of the Week for the week ending Sunday, May 10.
Thomas has served as a coach for nine years. He began coaching for Gr8 Elite Ducks Little League Organization in Buffalo and has gone on to serve as the varsity tackle football team’s co-head coach and defensive coordinator at Bishop Kearney. He then started the varsity boys football program at Rochester Prep, where he also started the girls flag program. At Padilla, he coaches football and girls basketball.
“Coach Thomas is highly deserving of Coach of the Week recognition,” said Padilla Athletic Director Robert Thomas. “In just his second year with the program, he has transformed it by building from the bottom up and establishing a culture centered on hard work, accountability, and family.”
Added Dennis Thomas, “Nothing happens without commitment, consistency, and courage. I chose coaching to help create better people for our future. There are many life lessons that can be learned in sport in one game, one practice or one season that would take most a lifetime to learn. As a teacher, I believe sports allow leaders to reach those who would not normally be within reach.”
After notching a 2-6 regular season record in its inaugural season in 2025, Padilla has raced to an 8-3-1 overall record this season and is currently seeded fifth in Section V Class B. The Bulldogs have recorded six shutouts.