Gainesville, FL

Harry Tholen was the first skipper of Santa Fe Baseball from 1982-1985 and again from 1989-2006.  He then transitioned to become a volunteer assistant under Head Coach Johnny Wiggs for about ten years. Before his time at Santa Fe, Coach Tholen started out at Mayfair College in Illinois (now called Harry S. Truman College).  Truman College is a member of the NJCAA serving Region IV, whereas Santa Fe College is in Region VIII. 

The NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame committee selected Tholen as part of the NJCAA Region IV 2026 Hall of Fame Class for Lifetime Achievement.

Tholen's time in Illinois was especially impactful as he had a chance to work with many legends of the NJCAA; most specifically George Killian, NJCAA president in 1967 and later the first executive director of the NJCAA, a position he held until 2004.  Tholen reflects on his time learning from Killian, "George was the first and one of the most influential leaders in the NJCAA; I was fortunate to work with him during baseball season for seven years."

Tholen was recruited by then Santa Fe Junior College President Alan J. Robertson to build the first official NJCAA baseball team at Santa Fe. This included turning the south field of the Northwest Gainesville Campus into a baseball field from a cow pasture.  Tholen spent many hours on the field and reminisces with former players about building the pitching mound over the Christmas break one year. 

His work ethic as the Santa Fe Baseball coach and his undeniable impact on so many young men prompted current SF Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins with the strong support of Tholen's Athletic Director Jim Keites to have the field named after Tholen in the fall of 2024.  He is a member of the SF Athletic Hall of Fame (2012), the ABCA Hall of Fame (2011), the FCSAA Hall of Fame (2004), and the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1999).  Tholen has more than 500 wins at Santa Fe and has helped pave the way for many young men to win in life. 

Santa Fe Baseball has been a part of the Tholen family since they moved here in 1982.  Both of Coach Tholen's sons were involved on the team with his son Jeff playing then moving on to the University of Florida as a bullpen catcher. His second son Eric served as a manager.  Tholen's wife, Susan, was a long-time educator at Buchholz High School and has a scholarship fund established in her name to honor a baseball player who overcomes enormous obstacles to be successful.  Jeff Tholen's children Jack and Sophia are currently high school athletes locally and engage often with the legend.

"I am so honored to be able to present this award to Harry Tholen on behalf the NJCAA and Region IV.  Harry personally inspires me and continues to help me grow as an administrator," stated Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins.

Before Santa Fe's Saturday Doubleheader vs Daytona State, a ceremony was held to present Tholen his Hall of Fame plaque on the field. Tholen was surrounded by his family, friends, peers, fellow coaches, and administrators as he accepted his award. To read about Tholen and the other NJCAA Region IV 2026 Hall of Fame Class, follow this link: Region 4 Hall of Fame welcomes seven-member Class of 2026 for induction - NJCAA Region 4