Throughout the course of the 2008-2009 academic year, we will seek to recognize some of the great names of the past to highlight the heritage of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in honor of the Association’s 95th anniversary. In this edition we are pleased to recognize the late Homer Thompson.

Homer Thompson spent almost 40 years as a successful head football coach, compiling an outstanding 251-130-5 career coaching mark.

A 1951 graduate of Catawba College, Thompson coached two years at Oxford Orphanage, seven at Gray High School in Winston-Salem and then was the first head coach Parkland ever had, holding that position for 27 years. He also served for 21 years as athletic director there. He also coached men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling and track during his career. Winner of numerous Coach of the Year awards, Thompson was the North Carolina head coach in the 50th Shrine Bowl and also coached in the East-West game. He served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Coaches Association and the North Carolina High School Athletic Directors Association, and was president of the coaches’ organization.

For 20 years the Parkland athletic director helped to organize and run the state wrestling championships. He was also been very active in civic and church activities, including over 35 years as a Sunday school teacher at Central Terrace United Methodist Church.

Since 1999, coaches from across the state who demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship and are nominated by their school are eligible for the Homer Thompson Memorial Eight Who Make A Difference Award, presented at the NCHSAA’s Annual Meeting in May.

Homer was inducted into the NCHSAA Hall of Fame in 1994.