Fred Thompson was a football and baseball coach for the Maroa-Forsyth Trojans. Although he had a number of successful seasons in the 70’s, he is better known for taking his football team to the State Championship Title Game twice during the 80’s, where they finished runner-up on both occasions. What players seem to remember the most about Thompson is his attention to detail and his strong belief in discipline. Although he often used a stern voice to get his message through to his players, he spoke with the intent of making his players better…better competitors and even better individuals. Thompson would eventually be inducted into the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, in recognition of his coaching achievements. Later, he moved to Dothan, Alabama, where his battle with cancer would end his life here on Earth at the age of eighty.