COPPELL, TEXAS, OBSERVES THE ANNUALTOM THOMPSON APPRECIATION DAY TODAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
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NCAA record holder, author, motivational speaker, and respected researcher, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II, is honored today, Tuesday, January 12, 2021, by the North Texas town of Coppell during its annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day. (Roark Photography photo)
COPPELL, Texas. (January 12, 2021) - Today, Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the North Texas town of Coppell, a thriving community of 41,000 residents, will honor one of its favorite sons: author, motivational speaker, and respected researcher, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II. On this day, the town recognizes its annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day, honoring Thompson for his amazing achievements in college football.
“What an incredibly humbling experience to be so honored by my home town,” says Thompson. “Coppell is a great place to live and raise a family, and I’m proud to call this my home.”
On November 14, 2009, Thompson became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a point. At 61, Thompson kicked his way into the record books by scoring the PAT (Point After Touchdown) in the second quarter of the game between Austin College and Trinity University. Ronnie Gage, head coach of the Austin College Kangaroos stood on the sidelines and watched the football sail between the uprights.
That kick made history and put tiny Austin College on the sports media map, thrusting both Thompson and his coach, Texas football legend, Coach Ronnie Gage, into the national media spotlight, with coverage by outlets including CBS and NBC News and Sports, ABC and Fox News, ESPN, Associated Press, CNN, MSNBC, Sports Illustrated, and more.
However, the event was never designed to be a publicity stunt. In fact, Coach Gage didn’t even like the idea of Thompson joining the team at first, and assumed he was “a wacko with an agenda” for wanting to play college football at 60. But as the season wore on, Coach Gage realized Thompson’s heart was in the right place.
“There are plenty of football players with exceptional talent,” Coach Gage explained. “But sometimes you scout a player who is an inch too short or 1/10th of a second too slow, but they have heart… they have passion. If it comes down to a choice between talent or heart, I’ll go with the heart every time. That’s one thing I learned about Tom Thompson—he had talent, but he also had heart.”
The NCAA record holder has since teamed up with his former college football coach to deliver The Life Coach, a book that is part inspirational memoir, part Texas football history, and part motivational guide for leaders.
The Life Coach is the latest in a long line of accomplishments that sparked Thompson's home town to proclaim its annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day in his honor.
Since detailing his remarkable accomplishments in his inspiring autobiography, Kick Start, in 2012, followed by his collaboration with Coach Ronnie Gage, which resulted in the 2019 release of his latest book, The Life Coach, from Clovercroft Publishing, Thompson’s life has kicked into high gear.
2020 was no exception, as Thompson and Gage were sought-after guests on such influential media outlets as Cornerstone TV, Inspiration.org, CBN.com, Bill Martinez Live!, The Meeting House on Faith Radio, and World Christian Broadcasting, where the two shared the story of their unique relationship.
“We didn’t really develop a relationship until after the season was over,” Thompson said. “I didn’t presume because we were close in age that I could engage him in any topic other than football. The man is a legend in Texas football history, and it was important to me that my teammates see me treat him with the respect he deserved. He told me flat out that he was not giving me any special treatment. And I appreciated that. But I knew when I first got to know Coach Gage that we would do some things together.”
The Life Coach is the first result of their “post-kick” collaborations. A combination of sports memoir and inspirational leadership manual, The Life Coach delves into how to juggle the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of everyday life. “Coach Gage is a quiet, humble guy, and his faith has been a big part of his life,” Thompson explains. “He’s gone through some of the worst things that life can throw at you, including the loss of his daughter to a brain tumor, and is still able to cling to the goodness of God.”
The Life Coach released on October 1, 2019, from Clovercroft Publishing, and is distributed to the trade by Ingram Content Group, the world's largest distributor of printed content.
For more information on Dr. Thompson, Coach Gage, and The Life Coach, visit 91kick.com or like on Facebook (facebook.com/91kick or facebook.com/coachronniegage), Instagram (instagram.com/91kick), or Twitter (@91kick or @RonnieRgage).
For more information on Coach Gage, Dr. Thompson and The Life Coach, visit 91kick.com, or follow him on Facebook (facebook.com/91kick or facebook.com/The-Life-Coach-109739473832583/), Instagram (instagram.com/91kick), or Twitter (@91kick or @RonnieRgage).
Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II's latest book, The Life Coach, is a collaboration with former Austin College football coach Ronnie Gage and Alice Sullivan. (Cover image courtesy of Clovercroft Publishing)
About Tom Thompson:
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, a Doctor of Strategic Leadership degree from Regent University, and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Austin College.
A former Board of Advisors member of the American Council on Martial Arts, Thompson is an American-born Tae Kwon Do grandmaster, holding the rank of 9th degree black belt. Thompson is also the Brand Ambassador for Evil Cowboy Hot Sauce, an heirloom Texas hot sauce company.
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 wrote his name in the record books, then went on to literally write the book on motivation for older adults who are approaching their golden years, as well as anyone seeking a career change, to seize their future with both hands. Thompson detailed his remarkable accomplishments in his motivational and autobiographical book, Kick Start: A Story of Overcoming Life's Obstacles to Inspire You to Kick Start Your Future, which he co-wrote with Alice Sullivan (Carpenter's Son Publishing), and Get a Kick Out of Life: Expect the Best of Your Body, Mind, and Soul at Any Age, co-written with Christopher P. Neck, (Mastering Self Leadership), along with Alice Sullivan (Kick Start).
Thompson, who is an active researcher in the fields of motivation and change, has also co-authored numerous articles in peer reviewed academic journals, as well as the book Fit To Lead: The Proven 8-Week Solution for Shaping Up Your Body, Your Mind, and Your Career (St. Martin's Press), which he co-authored with Christopher P. Neck and Charles C. Manz (respected pioneers in the field of self leadership, and co-authors of Mastering Self Leadership: Empowering Yourself for Personal Excellence) and Tedd L. Mitchell (Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, former CEO of the Cooper Clinic, and former health editor for USA Weekend).
Thompson’s newest book is The Life Coach, which he co-authored with Texas football coaching legend, Ronnie Gage. The new book released from Clovercroft Publishing on October 1, 2019 ($12.99) and is distributed to the trade by Ingram Content Group, the world's largest distributor of printed content.
One of the winningest high school football coaches in the state of Texas, Ronnie Gage offers a wealth of insight to leaders and managers in his book, The Life Coach. (Sloan Photography)
About Coach Ronnie Gage:
Ronnie Gage coached football in Texas for 42 years before retiring, compiling one of the most enviable winning records in state history. His accolades include 3 high school championship rings--two as a coach and one as an athletic director. He was the first coach in Texas to win a championship at the 5-A level in both division 1 and division 2. He was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association's Hall of Honor. He served as president of the Texas High School Coaches Association, an organization of over 18,000 members. He served on the board of directors and was selected to serve on the advisory board of the THSCA.
In 2004, Ronnie was chosen Citizen of The Year for Lewisville, TX. He was voted District Coach of the Year 7 times, Texas Sportswriters Coach of the Year two times, and Dallas All Sports Association Coach of the Year two times. He had his 1996 team recognized on a Cheerios Box and was chosen by Fox Sports as the Coach Who Makes a Difference in 1999. Recently, in his hometown of Decatur, TX, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Coach Gage coached the Austin College football team from 2006 to 2009 and coached the 61-year-old place kicker Tom Thompson, who set an NCAA record. Over 40 players who have played for him are in the coaching profession today, including his son James and daughter Julianne who are both teaching/coaching. He has been married to his high school sweetheart Stephanie for 42 years.
Ronnie Gage offers a wealth of insight to coaches, teachers, family members, or any professionals who aspire to be in a leadership role in the book The Life Coach.
For more information on Coach Gage and The Life Coach, visit 91kick.com, or follow him on Facebook (facebook.com/91kick or facebook.com/The-Life-Coach-109739473832583/), Instagram (instagram.com/91kick), or Twitter (@91kick or @RonnieRgage).
To schedule an interview, contact:
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