Hendrix College Athletics

John Thompson, class of ’24, was named All-State basketball center for three years. “Long John” dominated Arkansas track and field as high point man for three straight years in the state track meet. At one time he held state records in the high jump, broad jump, javelin, and 120-yard low hurdles. Following graduation, he was a high school coach and athletic director at Fort Smith for 40 years. The Northside stadium is named in his honor. Thompson was inducted to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1974 for his achievements at Hendrix and Fort Smith.