Bill Thompson is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling.

Bill Thompson served as a wrestling coach at Cottage Grove, OR for 40 years. After graduating from Reedsport High School in 1969, he played football at the University of Oregon. Then he began teaching in Cottage Grove where his wrestling teams won six league titles. He was named District Coach-of-the-Year seven times and in 2007 was recognized as the state 4A Coach-of-the-Year. Thompson also coached football and track and serves on the University of Oregon Letterman's Board.

For his dedication and lasting influence on wrestling, Bill Thompson is presented the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s “Lifetime Service to Wrestling“ award for the class of 2017.