Athletics Hall of Fame
Thane graduated from College High School in Whitewater in 1927 where he earned letters in football, basketball and track. He graduated from UW-Whitewater in 1931. Thane lettered three years in football, was captain, all-conference, and coached the College High team during his senior year. He also lettered for three years in basketball where he was again selected as all-conference. He was voted school athlete of the year and was sports editor for the Minnieska. Thane taught and coaced football, track, and golf at Waupun from 1931 to 1945. He coached all sports and taught in Milltown from 1945 to 1949 and in Cadott from 1949 to 1958. He then coached basketball and taught at Unity High School in Balsam Lake and retired from teaching in 1972. For 25 years Thane was a WIAA football and basketball official. He worked summer as recreations director, as deputy sheriff in charge of water safety patrol and for the American Legion baseball program. Thane is married and the father of five children, all of whom are teachers, and the grandfather of eight. He and his wife live in Balsam Lake.
