Bethune-Cookman
AD decides to stay
July 26, 2004
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Ending a lot of speculation, Bethune-Cookman
College Athletic Director Lynn Thompson announced that he
will not accept an offer to become the athletic director
of Chicago State and will remain at B-CC.
Lynn Thompson
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Thompson was offered a multi-year deal to head the department
of athletics at Chicago State University, a Division I school
with an enrollment of 7,158 students.
After careful thought and consideration Thompson says that
he and his family have decided to remain at B-CC and continue
to help build championship teams in his hometown of Daytona
Beach, Florida.
"My family and I are humbled and flattered at the
opportunity offered to us by the people at Chicago State
University,” Thompson said. “After much prayer
and consideration we have chosen to remain as a part of the
exciting ministry at Bethune-Cookman College. BCC is such
a vital part of our lives and we look forward to working
with our new President Dr. Trudie Kibbe-Reed as we move into
a new era for the college and community."
During his tenure at B-CC, Thompson has hired and managed
a competent core of head coaches that have proved to be the
key ingredient in the success of B-CC’s athletics programs.
“It was a shock to me when I first heard he might
be leaving to go to Chicago State,” said B-CC head
football coach Alvin Wyatt Sr. “A couple days later
I found out that he and his family really prayed and made
the decision to stay. I always thought, felt and believed
that his heart and soul is with Bethune-Cookman College.”
“He has done an unbelievable job and I am sure that
there are going to be many many more schools seeking his
talents,” Wyatt added.
B-CC’s coaching staff believes that Thompson’s
confidence gives them the opportunity to succeed.
“Lynn Thompson is the reason I am in the position
as a head coach,” said B-CC’s head baseball coach
Mervyl Melendez. “”If he was to leave, not only
would you lose probably the best AD in the conference, but
also a person that cares about the coaches and their families
well being.”
Thompson will be entering his 14th season as athletic director
of Bethune-Cookman College. Since assuming his position in
1991, he has overseen the renovation of Moore Gymnasium,
the start of B-CC’s basketball coach’s show on
sunshine network, the continued upgrade of the athletic programs
both on and off the field as well as having been a part of
more than 30 championships as the Athletic Director.
Thompson has also served as the Chairman of the NCAA Baseball
Rules Committee, NCAA Certification Team Member and is immediate
past chair of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Committee Athletic Directors.
He is currently a member of the NCAA I-AA Football Committee
and NCAA Football Issues Committee as well as chairman of the
MEAC Tournament Committee.
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