Community Corner
Legendary Coach Memorialized with Scholarship Fund for Plymouth-Canton Athletes
Longtime Salem High School Basketball Coach Fred Thomann died Dec. 27 at the age of 71.
Fred Thomann, Salem High School's basketball coach, was a giant in the world of Michigan high school basketball.
In his 42 years of coaching both boys and girls basketball at Salem, Thomann totaled more than 700 victories.
Thomann passed away Dec. 27 following a heart procedure at the age of 71. is survived by a sister and a niece.
Thomann’s family will memorialize him with the creation of the Fred Thomann Scholarship Fund through the Canton Community Foundation. This fund will provide college scholarships to senior athletes from all Plymouth-Canton Schools who have chosen education as their field of study.
"This coach was a part of the Park for more than 40 years," Beth Meade, Canton Community Foundation's Marketing and Events Manager said. "He touched a lot of lives over the years and the outpouring that the family and the school and athletes are feeling has been amazing. This scholarship fund will allow him to continue to help the young people in our community for many years to come.
Those interested in applying can go to www.cantonfoundation.org beginning Feb. 1.
Find out what's happening in Plymouth-Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In addition, Thomann's Salem girls basketball team will welcome Livonia Stevenson on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. for the KLAA Central Division matchup. More importantly, a tribute to the longtime coach is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Thomann's PCCS colleagues will make remarks about him and former players will be introduced at halftime. A reception will take place following the contest in the Salem cafeteria.
Canton Community Foundation representatives will also be on hand to accept your donations.
Additionally, Thomann's current team will finish out the season wearing blue wristbands with his initials.
To learn more about the Canton Community Foundation or the scholarship, visit the website at www.cantonfoundation.org.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
