Latif Cornel Thomas

1978 - 2022

Latif Cornel Thomas, 44, of North Attleboro, MA passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

Born in Boston, MA on June 10, 1978, he was a son of the late Linda Marie (Travis) Thomas-Holland who passed on January 28, 2022, and the late Larry Cornel Thomas.

Raised and educated in North Attleboro, MA, Latif attended local schools and was a 1996 graduate of North Attleboro High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Connecticut where he was an All Big East sprinter (200 m).

Latif was the founder and C.E.O. of Complete Track and Field, a website that shares coaching resources to support high school track coaches. Complete Track and Field produced articles, videos, and coaching education materials created by Latif as well as some of the most successful and esteemed track and field coaches across the country.

He held a USA Track and Field Level II Certification in sprints, hurdles and relays and was a USTFCCCA Event Specialist as a sprint certified strength and conditioning specialist from the NSCA.

In 2005, he was voted Massachusetts State Track Coaches' Association Coach of the Year.

He was a featured speaker at major coaching conferences including the Ohio Track and Cross Country Coaches Clinic, the Illinois Wisconsin State Track Coaches Clinic, New England Track Coaches Clinic and the USTFCCCA National Convention Conditioning Association Annual Coaching Summit.

Over the years, Latif served as a coach of the sprints, hurdles and jumps at North Attleboro High School, Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, MA and Franklin High School in Franklin, MA. Latif also served as co-director of the annual Complete Track and Field Clinic held at Harvard University. During his tenure he hosted over 1,300 high school sprinters, hurdlers and runners from all 50 states and 12 countries.

One of his proudest moments was in 2009, when the 4x100m girls relay team ran the fastest 4x100 time in the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and won their second championship. The team, under his leadership, also won back to back state titles in the indoor 4x200.

He helped tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of coaches, parents and trainers by simplifying the process into a model both experienced and inexperienced coaches could quickly implement.

Without doubt a revered leader, he also enjoyed the time spent with family and friends and watching Celtic's basketball and participating in track events.

Latif dedicated the majority of his life to improving the sport of track and field and his contributions greatly impacted the sport in uncountable ways.

Although professionally accomplished, his greatest success was spending time with his young, beloved two-year old daughter, Maya.

Left to honor his memory are his cherished daughter: Maya Linda Thomas of Providence, Rhode Island; his brother: Larry B. Thomas of North Attleboro, MA; his aunt: Susan Uvanni of Lowell, MA; his three cousins: Pamela Keener, Julie Rivers and her husband, Korran Rivers, and Andrew Keener and many friends, fellow coaches, and former mentees.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.

A brief time of reflection will commence at 7:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" with specified family members and friends speaking.

Following services, an invitation will be extended to join the family at a location to be announced for a time of continued sharing of memories, fellowship and refreshments.

Inurnment will be conducted privately at the North Purchase Cemetery Columbarium, Attleboro, MA.

Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers family and friends are welcome to contribute to Maya's college fund by going to Ugift529.com and entering the code X2V-P34.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lake funeral home.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.
508-695-0200