Pratt CC hires Chas Johnson as first wrestling coach

Pratt Community College has announced the hiring of Chas Thompson as Head Wrestling Coach for a program that is being restored after a three decade absence.

Thompson is presently an assistant wrestling coach at Fort Hays State University where he is finishing his Masters in sports administration. He will assume full time coaching responsibilities at Pratt at the conclusion of Division II Nationals in March.

Coach Thompson brings to Pratt both an illustrious background and pedigree. The son of Kansas coaching legend Jody Thompson, Chas wrestled to a 133-14 high school record in Parsons, where he was undefeated as the 4A Kansas Wrestler of the Year in 1997. Thompson continued his success at the collegiate level, achieving All-American status and a National Fourth Place finish while at Labette Community College. He went on to finish his wrestling career at Fort Hays State University, where he was Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Champion.

Thompson has enjoyed as much success in the classroom as on the mat. He garnered Academic All-American status at Labette, and was a two time FHSU Academic Excellence Award winner.

Coach Thompson is more than a little enthusiastic about the unique opportunity to reestablish wrestling in Pratt. “I appreciate the commitment PCC has made to this program and the confidence they’ve placed in me,” said Thompson. “This is a great opportunity not only for me personally, but also for Pratt and the wrestling community at large.”

PCC Athletic Director Kevin Hackerott shares Thompson’s optimism. “We’re excited about Chas Thompson,” said Hackerott. “He brings an infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge about wrestling to our new program. Chas has established a reputation in the wrestling community well beyond his years, and we feel confident that he will continue building that reputation here at Pratt. Bringing back wrestling to PCC will fill a void in our athletic program and in the wrestling community. This is a chance to offer Kansas student athletes another avenue for success, and we anticipate Coach Thompson rapidly establishing a top tier collegiate program.”

Coach Thompson plans to begin recruiting immediately. For more information about PCC Wrestling, please contact the Athletic Department at 620-450-2155, or email [email protected].