Please join me in celebrating the first two inductions in the the Labette Athletic Hall of Fame Wrestler Eldon Edward (78-80) and Head Coach and Athletic Director Jody Thompson (1975-2005). Both are well deserved and excellent choices for the first ever Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. WE hope you can all attend the HOF dual and reception.
Full Press Release:
Labette Community College is excited to announce the creation of the Athletic Hall of Fame and the inductions of the first two members. Labette Community College, and previously Parsons Junior College, has a longstanding tradition of producing high quality athletes and citizens that represent our institution and our community in the highest of standards. Members of the Hall of fame have not only competed at the highest level, but also have went on to become outstanding citizens who have served their communities and sport in the highest regard. Hall of fame members may not have competed as athletes, but served as ambassadors for the program. Hall of Fame members are nominated and voted on by a Hall of Fame committee made up of alumni and representation of Labette Community College. Qualification for Membership include but not limited to:
1. Represented Labette Community College in the highest standard during athletic competition years.
2. Served as an ambassador to our athletic programs.
3. Continued commitment to community and sport.
4. Continuation of accomplishment post athletic career at Labette Community College.
5. Commitment to academics as part of athletic success.
Our first two athletic hall of fame members represent Labette Community College in every facet of a hall of fame member. Both have represented Labette Community College in the highest regard and have served their communities with honor. It is our honor to induct Eldon Edwards and Jody Thompson as the first two members of Labette Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Eldon Edwards
Wichita, KS
Wrestling 1978-80
National Champion
Eldon attended Labette County Junior College in 1978-80. Eldon came to Parsons after a successful prep career at Wichita North High School where he was a 1976 State Champion and a third place finisher. Eldon continued his wrestling success under fellow 2016 Labette Hall of Fame inductee Jody Thompson. In 1979, Eldon won the NJCAA Regional and National Championship after compiling an impressive 40-3 record. Eldon graduated from LCJC in 1979 and continued his undergraduate work at Wichita State University, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor’s degree in 1982. Eldon also received his Master’s degree from WSU in 1987. Eldon worked at Derby High School as a physical education teacher and coach for 32 year. His coaching success closely resembles the success he found on the mat. In 18 years of coaching wrestling, Eldon coached 21 individual state wrestling champions, 62 state placers, and was assistant coach for two team state titles (1985, 1986). Eldon’s coaching success extended beyond the wrestling mat, coaching both cross country and track. In 23 years of coaching cross country, Eldon coached 31 state placers and one state championships team in 2008. In six years of coaching track, Eldon coached three individual state champions and had an additional seven individual state medalists. Eldon was named KSHSAA Coach of the Year on two separate occasions. His induction to the Labette Community College Athletics Hall of fame was preceded by his induction into the Kansas Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007. Eldon married fellow cardinal alumni Janis and they have two daughters Erin (Trey) and Emily (Spencer). Eldon also has one grand-daughter Georgia. It is with great honor we induct Eldon in the 2016 Labette Community College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Jody Thompson
Lawton, OK
Head Coach 1975-2003
Athletic Director 1075-1981, 1994-2005
The first class of Labette Community College Athletic Hall of Fame would not be complete without long-time wrestling coach and athletic director, Jody Thompson. Jody was born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma and wrestled his prep career at Duncan High School and continued his wrestling career at Lamar JC. Jody continued his wrestling career and education at Adams State College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1970. Jody earned All-American status twice competing at Adams State College while compiling an overall record of 69-14-1. Jody was voted team captain and most inspirational on the 1970 team. In 1968, and again in 1972, Jody made it to the Olympic Finals Qualifier. Jody began his coaching career in 1970 as a high school biology teacher and coach for Topeka Seamen. He would later move to Columbus High School to coach and teach. As a high school coach, he coached two state champions and 13 state placers. In 1975 Jody became the Head Coach of Labette Community College and remained in that position until 2003. During his tenure as head coach, Jody coached one national champion and 41 All-Americans. More impressively, his teams won academic team titles on seven different occasions. In 1984, Jody was named the NJCAA Pan European Head Freestyle Coach. Jody was named the region six “Coach of the Year” three times (1981, 1986, and 1998). He was named NJCAA “Man of the Year” in 1999. Jody holds the third most dual victories in NJCAA wrestling history with 319 wins. He also served as president of the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association in 1996 and was chairman of the NJCAA districting committee from 1999-2003. Jody also served as director of athletics from 1975-1981 and again from 1994-2005. Jody is not a newcomer when it comes to the hall of fame. He has prior inductions to the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches HOF (1991), Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association HOF (2003), National Lifetime Service HOF (2007), “Team of 1969” Adams State University HOF (2009), and for “Team of 1968, 1969” Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference HOF (2009). Jody is married to wife Joan and they have three children, daughter Erin, and sons Joel and Chas. Jody and Joan also have five grand-children, Myles, Mya, Myka, Maximo, and Cub. It is with great honor we welcome Coach Jody Thompson into the first ever class of the Labette Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Labette Community College will have induction ceremony for Eldon and Jody at a home dual against Neosho County Community College on October 28th at 7:00 PM in the Cardinals Gymnasium. A reception will follow the dual.
