Thompson burst onto the national scene in the "Roaring Twenties," leading Dixie High School to the Utah State Championship and a second place finish in the 1925 High School National Tournament in Chicago. Thompson went on to star at Montana State University, driving the Golden Bobcats to a three-season record of a 102-11. "The Cat", as he was named for his lightning-quick reflexes and top-notch conditioning, averaged 15.4 points a game for his college career, at a time when teams nationwide were averaging only 40 points per game. In three seasons, Thompson registered a remarkable 1,539 points in 100 games and finished his career as Montana State's all-time leading scorer. He was named All-American and All-Rocky Mountain Conference from 1928-30. He led Montana State to the Helms National Championship with a 35-2 record in 1929 and was named the 1930 Helms Foundation National Player of the Year.

Died October 10, 1970