Dads Are Coaches for Life . . .

College game day.
The stadium exploded, a deafening roar.

Today’s story is from Ben Thompson. His father is Rick.

Virginia Tech had just beaten No. 1 ranked Duke, 64-60. The game was hard fought, a squeaker throughout. Victorious, Ben looked into the crowd. His eyes focused only on one.

Father and son, Rick and Ben Thompson

When Ben was Young Rick worked with his son from the moment he could dribble a ball. This father knew his stuff. He was a revered high school basketball coach. His team won the state championship in 1991.

Under Rick’s charge, Ben blossomed into a star.

He was the captain of the team his dad brilliantly coached.

A grown-up Ben was now coaching at Florida’s Saint Leo University, a small NCAA Division II team. Then came the day he received a momentous call, from Virginia Tech, his alma mater. A dream job was offered to this very young man. Would he coach at Virginia Tech? The catch, “We need to know now.”  

Ben dialed his dad in Lebanon, Va.

“Dad they want me to coach back at Tech,” he said.

“I’ll be there tomorrow,” responded Rick in a flash. Ben’s dad immediately hopped a plane to Tampa. He worked all night to help Ben pack all that he had. Then, on a smidgeon of sleep, the two hit the road. Father and son traveled the 723 miles to Virginia tech, talking all through the night.

Back to that win over Duke — college game day. It had been one year since that 723-mile drive with his dad. Ben had just helped coach Virginia Tech to that win over Duke. Coach Ben stood tall, taking it all in. The sound was deafening, resounding with cheers from players and fans.

Victory in hand, Ben pointed a finger high into the coliseum. He spotted the seat where his father sat proud.

We asked Ben,

“How did it feel to hear that huge crowd?”
Ben grinned broadly and said, “I heard only one.”