Tom Rinaldi Presents: Sacred Acre

In the final episode of 'Sacred Acre,' we return to Parkersburg to see how Ed Thomas is still impacting the town and the football program. A new interim head coach carries on the traditions, including an inspirational pregame speech.

Earlier in 2024, another school shooting in the state, this time in Perry. The circumstances, and the victims, hit close to home with the Thomas family.

And those closest to Ed Thomas reflect on his enduring legacy and the lessons learned from the tragedy of his murder.

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In Episode 5, we explore the aftermath of Ed Thomas' tragic killing and how the Parkersburg community struggled to reconcile with the devastating circumstances. Through heartfelt interviews with friends, former players, family, and even local politicians, we capture the profound impact Coach Thomas had on those around him.

This episode also delves into the extraordinary grace and forgiveness extended by the Thomas family to the Beckers, a gesture that held deep significance in the wake of the tragedy.

We take you inside the courtroom for the gripping testimony during Mark Becker’s murder trial.

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*Producer's Note: Please be advised that there are graphic descriptions of gun violence in this episode. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode 4 reveals the origins of Mark’s struggles with the law and his mental health. We take you through the fatal day on June 24th, when Ed Thomas was murdered.

Eyewitness testimony from the scene reveals the drama in rich detail. We hear the shooter, Mark Becker, in a psychotic state after the shooting. 

In a stunning gesture that resonated nationwide, we experience the grace and forgiveness displayed by the Thomas family to the Beckers.

And we hear Aaron’s moving words and sentiments of forgiveness, asking for prayers for the Becker family in the midst of the tragedy.

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In May 2008, An EF-5 ravaged Iowa and tore up most of the town of Parkersburg. The damage was near atomic. The Thomas family lost their home. Applington-Parkersburg High School was unrecognizable.

But the recovery happened immediately.

Ed Thomas was undeterred in his goal of getting the football field ready for play within 100 days. His leadership would be covered by media outlets throughout Iowa and the nation. Thomas had become his town's most-beloved citizen. Tom Rinaldi takes you behind the scenes in episode 3 as Thomas and his team inspire their town. Thomas gives a resounding and emotional locker room speech and the Falcons win on the Sacred Acre.

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Episode Two explores Ed Thomas's early years as head coach in Parkersburg, focusing on his first captain, Dave Becker. A standout player who set multiple tackling records, Becker formed a strong bond with Thomas, who even helped him meet his future wife, Joan.

We delve into the Becker family's story and their connection to Ed and the football program. Additionally, we address the challenges faced by their son, Mark, as he navigates mental health issues and substance use. Join us as we examine the lasting impact Ed Thomas had on the families he inspired.

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Episode One explores the life and legacy of Ed Thomas, a legendary football coach from Aplington-Parkersburg, Iowa, who was tragically killed. Over 36 seasons, he led his team to two state titles and helped four players reach the NFL, all from a town of just 2,000.

Hear from NFL alumni Casey Wiegmann, Brad Meester, Jared DeVries, and Aaron Kampman as they share their experiences with Coach Thomas. We examine why he was named the NFL's National Coach of the Year in 2005 and his coaching philosophy that emphasized effort and character.

We also hear from Ed’s grandson, Gavin, the quarterback for the 2023 Falcons, reflecting on his grandfather's lasting influence. Join us for a tribute to a coach who made a profound impact on his community and the sport.

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Tom Rinaldi is back with Season 2 of Tom Rinaldi Presents: Sacred Acre as he delves into the inspiring legacy of Ed Thomas, the revered high school football coach from Parkersburg, Iowa.

This 6-part series chronicles Thomas’s journey from being the 2005 NFL High School Coach of the Year to his heroic efforts in rebuilding his community after an EF-5 tornado. Tragically, Thomas's life was cut short when he was murdered by a former player.

Through powerful interviews, discover how his values of Faith, Family, Football, and Forgiveness continue to resonate in Parkersburg today.

New episodes every Thursday.

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We make the drive with Yuovene to Inglewood Park Cemetery, to return to Lyman’s grave. She hadn’t allowed herself to visit in more years than she could remember, as she tries to reconcile his loss, and her memories of their time together.   

We hear from those Wesley touched, as they consider his life and its legacy.

We also return to Gary to see what became of the man who killed Leonard Smith and Tom tries to come to terms with the regrets of his encounter with Leonard. The series finale. 

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Leonard Smith, the man who admitted to killing Lyman Bostock in a jealous rage, a man arrested more than half a dozen times, receives the jury’s verdict. The decision stuns the courtroom, and the country. And leads to thoughts of vengeance.

Years after the verdict, we tried to find Smith, to ask him about his life after the murder. He was living back in Gary, 6 blocks from where he killed Bostock.

The encounter still echoes for Tom years later, as he replays that interaction with Smith.

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Family, friends and all in baseball are in shock over Lyman’s murder. Yet the Angels play their scheduled game the next day. The game includes a moment that brings Carney Lansford and his other teammates to tears.

Later that week back in California, players join Yuovene and nearly a thousand other mourners at an emotional funeral in L.A. A young reporter named Skip Bayless covers the funeral, and remains moved to this day by what he witnessed.   

Back across the country in Indiana, the case against Lyman’s killer appears to be straightforward. It doesn’t turn out that way. At all. 

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