Gary Thompson

Gary Thompson (1932-2010)

Teams coached: Wichita State Shockers
Wichita State record: 93-94 (.497)
Overall record: 93-94 (.497)

Career Accomplishments:

• NCAA National Championships:  0
• NCAA Tournament Appearances:  1  (1965)
• NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen:  1  (1965)
• NCAA Tournament Final Four:  1  (1965)
• NIT Championships:  0
• NIT Appearances:  0
• Missouri Valley Regular Season Champion:  1  (1965)

Awards:

• Missouri Valley Coach of the Year:  1  (1965)

Coaching Career (head coach, unless noted):

1964-1971	Wichita State
1957-1964	Wichita State (asst)

Gary Thompson Facts

• Gary Thompson
• Born 1932
• Died November 12, 2010
• Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
• Alma Mater: Wichita University (BA, 1954)
• Attended Wichita East HS (KS), went on to play at Wichita for Hall of Fame head coach Ralph Miller
• Joined Miller’s coaching staff at his alma mater in 1957, serving as his assistant for seven seasons
  • During that time, the Shockers went to two NITs and one NCAA Tournament
• Took over as head coach at Wichita State in 1964 when Miller left for Iowa
  • Won the Missouri Valley title in his first year (the second-straight for the program) and led the Shockers all the way to the 1965 NCAA Final Four
  • After a couple more winning seasons, Thompson’s teams were sub-.500 for four straight seasons
  • Resigned in 1971 with an overall record of 93-94 (49-45 in MVC play)
• After coaching, Thompson moved into the private sector and became a Pizza Hut franchisee in California
• Passed away in Wichita at age 78 due to complications from a heart attack
  • Survived by his wife, Betty, sons Paul and Cory and daughter Laurel

Gary Thompson Coaching Tree

• David Leach (Boise State)