|
| Emory and Henry athletics photo by Joe Matthews |
After spending three seasons in way Upstate New York, Ben Thompson is headed back home to Southwest Virginia to become the next head coach at Emory & Henry.
Director of Athletics Anne Crutchfield announced the hire.
"Growing up in Southwest Virginia, Ben Thompson has a long history with Emory & Henry College and understands the storied history of the men's basketball program," said Crutchfield in the release. "He is an inspiring leader, a teacher and an exceptional communicator who has displayed a strong commitment to developing the entire student-athlete on the court and off the court."
Thompson was the head coach at SUNY-Canton for the past three seasons and went 41-40 over that time. He led the Kangaroos to a 20-9 record and an appearance in the ECAC tournament in his first season. Last season SUNY-Canton went 14-13, 9-5 in its first season in the NAC.
Prior to that Thompson spent time on the coaching staff at Division II Lincoln Memorial in Harrogate, Tennessee, but he has roots in Virginia. Thompson graduated from Virginia Tech in 2006 and then spent time on the Hokies' coaching staff. He also coached at Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
Thompson replaced David Willson who stepped down in February to become the head coach at his high school alma mater. Willson coached the Wasps for six years and E&H won more games in their last four seasons than at any other point in the prior 25 years. The Wasps went 17-10, 9-7 in the ODAC last season.