Charlie Thomas coached the Texas A&M track & field and cross country teams from 1959-1990. He coached Texas A&M to five Southwest Conference Championships during his tenure, and was also named the 1989 Southwest Conference Coach of the Year. Thomas' teams also had five top six finishes in NCAA competition. Thomas coached world record holders Curtis Mills and Randy Matson. In addition, he coached 22 NCAA Individual Championships during his coaching stint with Texas A&M. He also coached some 121 Southwest Conference Individual Champions. As a competitor, Thomas was a world record holder in the 440-yard relay.