UI Back Granted Hardship Star Running Back Joel Thomas Gets Another Year Of Eligibility

The University of Idaho received official word Monday that running back Joel Thomas has been granted his NCAA hardship, which makes him eligible to play football this fall.

Thomas was joined in receiving a hardship by offensive lineman Doug Lumsargis and defensive end Brian Boudreaux. Thomas and Lumsargis will be seniors, and Boudreaux will be a junior.

“It’s nice to have this officially done,” football coach Chris Tormey said. “All three of these guys should have a very positive impact on our program.”

All three were granted hardships by the NCAA and had been awaiting word from the Big West Conference. Thomas actually will be in his sixth year with the Vandals. As a true freshman in 1993, he gained 691 yards in a backup role to Idaho’s all-time leading rusher, Sherriden May. He followed that with 653 yards as a sophomore, also as a backup to May. In 1995, he broke his foot and redshirted after gaining 177 yards. In 1996, he led the Vandals with 1,148 yards. Last season, Thomas sustained a posterior dislocation of his right knee after gaining 31 yards in the first quarter at Air Force.

Lumsargis missed all of the 1997 season after injuring his right knee during fall camp. Boudreaux saw limited action in three games before injuring his right shoulder and missing the remainder of the season.

, DataTimes