WATERTOWN, Wis. -- Maranatha's sixth athletic director, Rob Thompson ('84), announced today that the 2023-24 season will be his final season as Director of Athletics and Head Softball Coach. "Coach T" will transition to the University role of Assistant Vice President for Admissions and Recruitment after a 21-year tenure on the Maranatha athletic staff and almost 18 full years as AD and softball coach.

The role of AD is anything but straightforward at a place like Maranatha. Take just one aspect of it - like managing the schedule for coveted gym space during the late fall and winter months - and you'll find something coming close to a full-time job that nobody wants to do.

But Coach T does it.

The position is a strenuous one, forcing the most difficult decisions that have large-scale impact on student-athletes, alumni, constituents, and prospective students alike. And much of the time, there is no precedent for the decision. Coach T handled those. And when spring hits every year, and the spring baseball and softball seasons are turned upside down with cancelations and postponements, forcing the necessary headaches of rescheduling games, coordinating facilities, and communicating with officials and game personnel that yet another game has to be moved or canceled...

Somebody's got to do it, and nobody wants to. But Coach T does that, too.

Then on frigid fall mornings when the soccer field lines need painting (because the GA that usually does that is in class). . . On go the gloves and hat, and Coach T gets it done. His work ethic is proven in his ability to do any job in the department. Not only has he managed the constantly changing schedules, events, and personnel needed to make intercollegiate athletics operate smoothly, but he has also served in whatever capacity is the most needed at the moment.

For the number one man in the department, there is simply no job too small.

"Last year, we needed to tear down the goals at the end of the fall season, and of all days, this day was just frigid. The wind is blowing, and Coach T is bundled from head to toe, ears covered, and didn't say one thing except, 'let's just go get it done. Just tell me who's coming, and we'll take care of it for you. . .' what a blessing he is, not just to me, but to everyone on campus." - Paul Brown

"When we hired Coach T and he had been on the job a few weeks, I remember thinking that everything was in place for Coach Price to retire when he was ready because Rob would make the perfect replacement. As a Maranatha Alumnus, he understands both Maranatha culture and athletics, and as a leader, he sets an excellent example for our student-workers and coaches of hard work and efficiency. As a Christian, his love for the Lord is evidenced in his preaching and counsel.  Rob has volunteered to serve others in so many different ways that people look to him to find solutions, lead with integrity and get things done. When the boss is the hardest working person in the department, it is a privilege to serve with them." - Ann Bolton

Most people know that Thompson has served as AD and as the head coach of the Softball Team. But most people don't know just how many "hats" Thompson has worn since he joined the staff of his alma mater in 2003. Not only has Thompson served as the Director of Athletics for both the University and the Academy, but he has also assumed numerous other roles, including executive positions in the National Christian College Athletic Association, where he served full terms as vice president and president.

Below is just a taste of Thompson's involvement, which demonstrates his considerable investment in intercollegiate athletes and athletics.
If there is a job to be done that involves athletics at a university level, big or small, the odds are that "Coach T" has done it himself.
 

Thompson's Roles at Maranatha

Roles at Maranatha	Years Served
Sports Information Director	2003-09
Events Manager	2003-09
Assistant Coach: Baseball	2004-06
Cabinet Member	2006-10
Director of Athletics	2006-24
Head Coach: Softball	2007-24
Assistant Coach: Women's Basketball	2016-19
Assistant Coach: Women's Volleyball	2023
Committees: Coaches', Athletic, Golf Classic, Leadership Council, Various ad-hoc
Roles at Maranatha Baptist Academy
Director of Athletics	2006-24
Indian Trails Conference President & Commissioner	2012-14, 2016-17, 2021-24
WACS State Tournament Coordinator	2003-24
Indian Trails Conference Executive and Eligibility Committees
NCCAA Roles
Midwest Region Coordinator	2012-15
North Region Coordinator	2015-23
Midwest Region Vice-Coordinator	2023-24
1st Vice President	2014-17
2nd Vice President	2017-20
President	2020-23
Committees (Eligibility, Championship, Eligibility & Appeals, Athletic Training, Various Ad-Hoc)

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And he held all these positions while taking care of anything below them. All the way down to mopping floors and painting lines.

"Rob is a joy to work with as AD. His passion for Maranatha's athletics is so clearly evident in every interaction. He cares not only about success in competition, but particularly for the support, well-being, and character growth of each student athlete. Through his tenure, Maranatha athletics has seen tremendous success winning national championships, developing new programs, and most importantly, using the tool of athletic competition to support the spiritual development of each athlete." - Dr. Matt Davis

Not only is Thompson the epitome of diligence and servant leadership, but he also lead the department through outstanding success in the NCCAA - something that Coach T would readily describe as simply a bonus. Thompson's focus has always been on representing the Lord Jesus Christ through athletics, and that is shown through his emphasis on character development - something that has been recognized on a national scale with an unsurpassed 21 selections for the NCCAA's National Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Awards. 

Not to mention the long list of national accolades for athletic success.

Below are some of the honors that Maranatha has achieved since Coach T took office as Athletic Director:
 

Maranatha's Athletic Honors: 2006-2024

Achievement	Number
NCCAA National Championships	10
NCCAA National Runner-Ups	20
NCCAA National Tournament Appearances	81
NCCAA Regional Championships	47
NCCAA DII National Players of the Year	17^
NCCAA DII All-Americans	147
NCCAA DII National Coaches of the Year	8
NCCAA DII Presidential Awards for Excellence	3
NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Award Recipients	21*
NCCAA Sports Ministry Award	1
*The most of any NCCAA DII school  ^includes co-players of the year

For Thompson, his 21 years are defined by success. They're defined by accolades. But they're defined by relationships. By working for a mission that he believes in - one that impacts the next generation for the cause of Christ. 

"I am thankful for the past 21 years working in the athletic department of MBU, and the last 18 as the Athletic Director and softball coach. I treasure the friendships made within the MBU community of coaches, both past and present, the many ADs, coaches and staff of other institutions as well as the NCCAA national staff.  Most of all, I value the relationships that I have enjoyed with student-athletes, some who are now part of the coaching staff of MBU, but many who have become life-long friends! Words alone cannot express my gratitude to Maranatha, and the years they have invested in me. A lifetime of memories on the sidelines, on the bench and at the table will stay with me forever. 

"I look forward to the new opportunities that await me as I change my focus full-time to enrollment and recruiting (though I have been involved with the process to one degree or another for these 21 years) and the opportunity to interact at another level of service at Maranatha. I covet your prayers as I move into this new role. I look forward to this last season as 'Coach T' and I am trusting the Lord to give us a full and fruitful season, as we desire to honor and serve HIM! 

"Go Sabercats! " - Coach T

A new Athletic Director is already in place in terms of a transition time - more information on multiple upcoming changes to the Maranatha Athletic Staff will be announced this week.
For more on Maranatha Athletics, visit mbusabercats.com.