ALLISON - The man accused of shooting Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas has pleaded not guilty.

Mark D. Becker, 24, of Parkersburg, is charged with first-degree murder in Thomas' June 24 shooting in the school weight room. Becker filed his written plea Thursday. He also demanded a speedy trial, according to court documents. That means he'll have to stand trial in the next 90 days, unless a continuance is filed or Becker waives his demand.

Becker's plea cancels an arraignment hearing scheduled for Tuesday morning in Allison.

Authorities say Becker shot Thomas multiple times in the weight room, where Thomas was overseeing the morning workouts of around 20 student-athletes. Becker then drove away from the scene. He was later arrested at his parents' home outside Parkersburg.

A charge of felony eluding also was also filed against Becker, stemming from a high-speed chase on June 20 that ended near Allison. The charge is a Class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Law enforcement officers started the chase after Becker allegedly vandalized a home in Cedar Falls.

Becker is in the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Judge Stephen Carroll continued Becker's bond in the amount of $1 million, cash only.

Becker is being held in Mason City for security reasons. No motive for the shooting has been revealed.