Art Thomas is a 1962 graduate of Cross Plains High School and saw varsity action as a freshman for the Wildcats. Art ranks as the third highest scorer in Cross Plains basketball history with over 800 points. 

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Art was a three-year starter for Cross Plains. After scoring at a six-point clip his sophomore year, he filled the nets for an average of 13.5 points as a junior and tossed in a season high 29 points in a single game that campaign. Art's senior year points-per-game average was an impressive 20.4 and he repeated his single game high of 29 points that senior season. He was a two-time All-Sectional Team selection, was named to the All-County team as a senior, and was tabbed Tri-County All-Conference as a senior. His overall athleticism is what many remember about Art. In fact, Art was offered a full ride scholarship to play baseball at Florida State University, an offer hie did not accept. 

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Art returned to Cross Plains and he and his wife of 50 years, Debbie, are the proud parents of two children: Kevin and Amy.  He is also a grandpa to three. Art received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1971 at the age of 27 and although he is officially a retired carpenter, Art still finds himself an active 74 year-old farmer in Cross Plains.