Rudolph “Rudy” Thompson is entering his first year with the Maryland Eastern Shore track and field program as a multies and throws coach for the Hawks. Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T in 1989, in addition to a masters in school counseling from Brooklyn College in 2000.
One of the most seasoned coaches in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Shore, working as a coach in some capacity in elite high school or the college ranks since 1983.
Most recently, Thompson was head of the ASA College track and field program in New York City where he not only was a coach for the student-athletes, but also in charge of recruiting and academic success. Prior to ASA College, Thompson coached in the Division 1 ranks as an assistant coach at Saint Peter’s University in New Jersey from 2016-18 and at former MEAC member North Carolina A&T from 1983-87.
Between those Division 1 stints, Thompson headed elite high school programs, including George Washington High School, NEST+M, AP Randolph, and High School for Construction in New York, as well worked as an assistant at Dudley High School in North Carolina, where the Panthers won back-to-back state titles in 1985 and 1986.
Originally a student at New Mexico State, Thompson transferred to North Carolina A&T for a better fit and more cultural exposure, joining the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, as well as having access to more resources to attain his ultimate goal – graduating while still taking stock in his own personal welfare.
Thompson started his athletic career with a focus in basketball but turned to track and field while at North Carolina A&T while under the direction of long-time head coach Roy Thompson. Coach Rudy quickly fell in love with the events and seeing the individual successes of the student-athletes who he was able to train.
While at the Shore, Thompson wants his student-athletes to remember that “I have achieved, but I’m trying to encourage YOU to succeed” by leading by example so they have purpose and direction. His hopes are to lead the jumpers he coaches to championship berths, while also preparing them for their future lives after college.
Associations/Certifications:
Level 1 Coaching Certification 2013 (USATF)
Level 2 Coaching Certification Endurance - 2014 (USATF)
Level 2 Coaching Certification Sprint, Hurdles, Relays – 2015 (USATF)
Level 3 Coaching Certification Endurance – 2016 (USATF) IAAF
Level 5 Strength and Conditioning Specialist – 2016 (USTFCCCA)
Speed Specialist Certification – 2020 (USTFCCCA)
Member of USATF/ USTFCCCA
NCAA Football, ECAC, EIAFO
NCAA Women’s Basketball, IAABO
AED -CPR, FIRST AID, Concussion
NHSFS Track and Field Certification
