William “Bee” Thoma (2026)
A 1972 Butler graduate, William “Bee” Thoma competed in gymnastics.
A member of the Golden Tornado boys gymnastics team from 1970-72, Thoma became part of a state championship team, earned a state medal in floor exercise and was recognized as one of the top high school gymnasts in Pennsylvania.
From there, he attended Georgia Southern University, where he was a captain of the gymnastics team. Thoma was honored as the university’s Student of the Year in 1977, his graduation year.
in 1984, Thoma opened New Hope Gymnastics Academy in Fountain Valley (Calif.) to help grow the sport.
The Academy employs more than 40 coaches and has produced more than 10 NCAA gymnasts, elite national champions, numerous state, regional and national title holders.
