Every successful program has a very first athlete that cracks the national spotlight and reaches All-American status. For the Otterbein Track and Field program, that pioneer was Watkins Memorial native and 1964 graduate Bill Thompson.

Thompson’s accomplishments and, now a Hall of Fame induction, are that much more impressive considering he spent just two seasons as a Cardinal, transferring in after starting his career with a two-year stint at Scottsbluff Junior College in Nebraska.

He joined the Otterbein football team as soon as he arrived to Westerville, helping the 1962 and 1963 teams play to a combined record of 10-7-1 from his fullback position. Thompson was nationally recognized at the end of his senior season, in 1963, with an honorable mention “Little All-America” selection within the college division.

However, things were just getting started for this quick and agile competitor, who developed a desire to throw the javelin in the spring of 1964 after seeing a record displayed on a wall in the athletic facility. Although it was not an Ohio Athletic Conference sport, and Otterbein did not even own the piece of equipment at the time, the school decided to go ahead and purchase a javelin. Thompson, who did not throw in high school and had simply taught himself the technique while at Scottsbluff, made the NCAA Division III Championships with a toss of over 200 feet at the Mideast Regional qualifying meet in Cleveland, Ohio.

Thompson was even more impressive once finally getting to the NCAA’s in Fresno, Calif., tossing the javelin 217’ 7” to place fourth in the nation. His incredible mark still stands as the Otterbein school record 50 years later, with nobody ever coming within 25 feet of reaching it. Bill was also outstanding in the shot put, setting a school record of 47’8” that stood for 13 years after he departed.

A very coachable athlete who was respected and admired by many, Bill Thompson’s commitment and dedication earns him a spot among the best to ever suit up for Otterbein.