Ripon College Athletics

As a coach and later a professor, Jerome Thompson helped merge athletics with academics during his 31 years at Ripon College. As Associate Professor of Physical Education from 1956-58, Thompson also served as head coach of football and track. In his inaugural year at the helm of the football team, he led Ripon to a 4-3-1 season. The following year, the team finished with a perfect 8-0 record, boasting its first undefeated season since 1891. After the season, Thompson left for the seminary, returning to Ripon College in 1966 as a Professor of Religion. He then served 16 years as commissioner of the Midwest Conference.