Thompson resigns as FHS wrestling coach
Led Braves to four AA state championships
Jeff Thompson, who built Flathead High School's wrestling program into a state power during his eight years at the school, has resigned as head coach.
Thompson turned in his letter of resignation to FHS Activities Director Frank Jobe on Tuesday.
"This is a very difficult decision, but my home team needs me more than ever," Thompson said in his resignation letter.
"As you know, I have four children, Shayenn (7), Skyleigh (5), Gunnar (3) and Anders (3) of my own that are getting older and my wife Shannon and I are really starting to go in three or even four different directions each day after school with their sports and activities.
"I have wrestled, lifted and ran year-round with my athletes to help them be successful and I just can't uphold to that time commitment with where I am at in my life," he continued.
"My philosophy as an athlete was to always outwork the competition. I took that same philosophy into coaching. It's a great philosophy, but also takes a lot of time."
Thompson was named Montana Coach of the Year four times (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008) and was honorable mention National Coach of the Year in 2004.
"He's an outstanding coach," Jobe said.
"He's done a great job at Flathead. It's hard not to see him not coach."
Jobe said a search for Thompson's replacement will begin immediately.
"It's a tough one to take, but you can't argue with those reasons," Jobe said.
"He has not only improved his program, but he improved other programs (at Flathead) as well. He pushed his kids into other sports. He believes in the overall package. He led the charge with that."
Thompson met with his wrestlers to inform them of his decision.
"It was tough, it was silent," Thompson said of the Tuesday gathering.
"Lots of tears, lots of hugs."
Thompson said he asked his wrestlers if they had any questions afterwards, but "nobody said a word," he said.
"Their heads were down. It was a pretty emotional time for all of us."
Also at the meeting was assistant wrestling coach Jeff Anderson. He announced that he was also resigning.
Anderson was named National Assistant Coach of the year in 2007. He has coached Braves wrestling for 17 years. He served as head coach before Thompson's arrival.
"Being involved in Flathead wrestling as an athlete, former state champion for the Braves, and as a coach have been great years," Anderson said.
"However, with my marriage this last summer, it is now time to refocus my priorities and time."
Flathead won its third straight Class AA state championship in February and was ranked 10th nationally. The Braves also won state in 2004 (were ranked No. 38 nationally) and finished second in 2005 and third in 2003.
The Braves went 20-0 this past season in duals and were 17-1 in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Flathead's dual record under Thompson is 126-19.
Thompson has had 107 state placers, 48 state finalists and 13 state champions.
Thompson will continue to coach Kalispell Middle School wrestling and will remain as Montana Intensive Wrestling Camp director. He is also involved with a committee that is trying to bring wrestling to Flathead Valley Community College.
Thompson will continue teaching business and marketing at Flathead High School.
"I went back-and-forth and weighed all my options," Thompson said of his decision.
"I'm resigning, not retiring. I have twin boys who are 3; they will be in the Kalispell Wrestling Club in a couple years. They grow up fast."
Thompson said the support he received from Jobe, former FHS activities director Mark Dennehy, FHS principal Peter Fusaro and former FHS principal Callie Langhor was special and much appreciated.
"As for the future of Braves Wrestling, it could not look stronger," Thompson said.
"The Braves return an amazing 14 state placers, six state finalists and are coming off their third straight state championship. The Braves will be in good hands, and like I always say, success breeds success."