Rob Thompson
Rob Thompson

Bio

Testimony

Coach Thompson was born and raised in central Iowa. He was led to the Lord as a teenager in 1975 at Fellowship Baptist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa, through the influence of his youth pastor. He was led into full-time ministry through the summer camp programs at the Bill Rice Ranch and the church’s camp in Eldora, Iowa. Though he desired to attend a Christian high school for several years, it was finally in his senior year that he attended Central Iowa Christian Academy in Marshalltown. After graduation, he attended Maranatha and graduated in 1984, majoring in Bible and Theology with a minor in Physical Education. It has always been his desire to work with young people, and specifically in sports.

Family

Rob Thompson and his wife April (Childs) were married in 1984 and reside in Watertown. They have two children, Brittany and Emily. Rob and April are involved in the ministry of Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown. Rob has served on the School Board, as a teacher in the Discipleship Class, and as an usher. April is the school secretary at Calvary Baptist Christian School, serves in the choir, and is the Reception Room Coordinator.

Background

Coach Thompson has played or coached organized baseball and softball since 1969. He was a four-year starter and was a two-time All-Lake Michigan Conference at Maranatha as a pitcher, outfielder and utility infielder.  In 1986, Coach Thompson became the youth pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa. He also worked with young people in athletics at the church’s Christian school, where he coached varsity girls and boys basketball, boys soccer and girls volleyball. In 1991, he and his family moved to Rockford, Illinois, to become the Middle School Principal and teacher at Berean Baptist Christian School as well as varsity boys basketball and baseball coach. In 1996, girls volleyball was added to his coaching responsibilities. In 2003, Coach Thompson and his family were led to Maranatha to take a position in the Athletic Department as Sports Information Director and Athletic Events Manager. In 2006, Coach Thompson became the Athletic Director and head women’s softball coach at Maranatha.  His sports background include:

  • 40 years of baseball/softball experience as a player and coach
  • 4 years starter and letterwinner in baseball at Maranatha (1979-1984)
  • 2 years basketball at Maranatha (1979-1981)
  • 2 years Lake Michigan All-Conference Baseball (1983, 1984)
  • 5 years as the head coach of basketball, volleyball and soccer at Central Iowa Christian Academy, Marshalltown, IA (1986-1991)
  • 5 years as the Athletic Director of Central Iowa Christian Academy (1986-1991)
  • 2 years as Athletic Director of the Iowa Association of Christian Schools (1989-1991)
  • 7 years as head basketball coach at Berean of Rockford, IL (1992-1998)
  • 6 years as head volleyball coach at Berean of Rockford, IL (1996-2001)
  • 11 years as head baseball coach at Berean of Rockford, IL (1992-2002)
  • 3 years assistant baseball coach at Maranatha (2004-2006)
  • 5 years Sports Information Director and Athletic Events Manager at Maranatha (2003-2008)
  • Athletic Director of Maranatha since June 1, 2006
  • Head Softball Coach of Maranatha since June 1, 2006

Philosophy

Every player represents their team, their parents, their coach, their school, and, most of all, Christ. Therefore, their attitude, actions, appearance, ability and accountability ought to demonstrate Christian character and dedication to each. Athletes are not perfect, nor are they expected to be. They are, however, constantly in the spotlight. Students of all ages look up to them, parents and spectators watch their actions and reactions, officials make determinations in respect to their behavior on the court/field, and coaches are constantly striving to stretch their abilities and talents. It is not enough to “want to win.” It is the desire to fulfill God’s will for our lives that must be our motivation for playing and drives us to compete to the Glory of God.

I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

“I coach at Maranatha for several reasons, but the two most compelling are: 1) my love for Maranatha Baptist University and what this institution stands for; and 2) to give back to my alma mater by impacting the next generation of athletes and coaches”.      – Coach T

Why MBU?

"I am compelled to work at MBU for two reasons: to give back to the institution that helped to shape my life; to impact the next generation of coaches, athletic administrators, moms, and dads with a Christ-centered philosophy of Athletics."

Outside the Office

Outside the office, “Coach T” loves to golf, bike, play Rook, take long walks in the morning and spend time with family. Thompson is also an avid Chicago Cubs fan - "not on the bandwagon, but have been a Cubs fan for 50 years!"

Contact

rob.thompson@mbu.edu