NCAA RECORD HOLDER TOM THOMPSON TO DISCUSS HIS BOOK, KICK START, ON FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS

Inspirational and Motivational Autobiography Encourages Those Facing a Change in Their Life's Direction to Seize their Future with Both Hands

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 13, 2016) -NCAA football record holder Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson is slated to appear as a guest on WATC-57's long running program, Friends & Neighbors, on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Thompson will join co-hosts Sherry Tatum and Ginger Sanders to discuss his book Kick Start. Fans can watch the show at 6:30 a.m. ET and again at 4:30 pm, or catch it online at watc.tv/onlinestreaming.

"What a blessing to have the opportunity to be a guest on Friends & Neighbors," says Thompson. "I really enjoyed visiting with Sherry and the whole crew at the station and hope to come back soon." 

On November 14, 2009, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II kicked his way into the record books. At age 61, he became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a point when he kicked the PAT (Point After Touchdown) in the second quarter of the game between Austin College and Trinity University. Thompson details his remarkable accomplishment in his inspiring autobiography, Kick Start. 

"Each day approximately 6,000 Americans turn 65, the traditional age at which people clean out their desk, accept a gold watch from the company and head for the rocking chair," Thompson says. "But we are witnessing a movement that is changing the face of the nation, and ultimately the world. The boomer generation that is approaching retirement age is more well-educated, healthier, and more motivated than any previous generation in American history. They have a tremendous amount of work experience and life skills that can provide a multitude of opportunities. If my story says anything, it is that it is never too late to re-imagine what you want your life to be."

At an age when many people are contemplating retirement, Thompson earned the first of numerous academic degrees. Through the process of earning a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and ultimately a doctorate, Thompson realized the power of setting goals and striving to reach them. But he also recognized that not all goals are created equal.

"Have you ever achieved a goal, but then didn't experience that long-term sense of fulfillment you were expecting?" Thompson asks. "That happens when you set a goal that is not tied to a core value. When you set a goal that is tied to a core value, you have a greater chance of gaining lasting fulfillment, and it has the added benefit of affecting a whole lot more people than just yourself."

Thompson wrote his inspirational and motivational autobiography, Kick Start, to encourage older adults who are approaching their golden years, and anyone else who may be facing a change in their life's direction, to seize their future with both hands.

About Tom Thompson and Kick Start:

Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II, D.S.L., M.S., M.A., entered the health and fitness industry after a 20-year career in commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from LeTourneau University, a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, and a Doctor of Strategic Leadership Degree from Regent University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Austin College. 

Dr. Thompson is an active researcher with numerous co-authored articles in peer reviewed academic journals. He has co-authored the books Fit To Lead (St. Martin's Press) and Kick Start(Carpenter's Son Publishing). In addition to his writing, Dr. Thompson also lectures to both lay and academic groups. A former Board of Advisors member of the American Council on Martial Arts.

Dr. Thompson is an American-born Tae Kwon Do grandmaster, holding the rank of 9th degree black belt. On November 14, 2009, he became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a point in a game.

To learn more about Dr. Thompson and Kick Start, visit 91kick.com.

About WATC-TV and Friends & Neighbors:

WATC TV 57 in Atlanta is the home of many original series, including the station's flagship program, Atlanta Live!, Seniors Today, Babbie's House, Right Now with Jennifer Schuchmann, Gospel Music USA, This Day with BJ Arnett, and the long-running viewer favorite, Friends & Neighbors. The station has been honored with numerous Angel and Telly Awards for its productions and received its first EMMY Award in 2010. For more information, visit watc.tv.

To schedule an interview, contact:

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