Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Joe Thompson '63
The heart and soul of Trinity High School have been in Joe Thompson ’63 since he enrolled in 1959. He attributes his religious values to his Trinity teachers and coaches.
As a Trinity student, Joe was a member of the National Honor Society and a class officer, serving as treasurer for the Student Council. Additionally, he lettered in basketball all four years and was captain his senior year. He received the “Mr. Basketball” Shammy Award at his senior prom.
One of Joe’s favorite teachers was Rev. Tom Allen, who taught biology.
“He was young, energetic and he was into what he was doing, which was teaching biology,” Joe said. “He demanded your attention, and he got it.
Another favorite instructor was English teacher Rev. John Butler
“English was never a favorite subject of mine, but Father Butler made it a favorite subject,” Joe said. “He had a really keen sense of humor, so you had to listen to catch those little zingers he would send at you!”
Joe’s basketball coaches also played a pivotal role in his Trinity education. He was coached by Rev. Bill Gorman (freshman), Leo Tierney (JV) and Ed Kellow (varsity).
“Trinity was exactly what I needed at that time in my life,” Joe said. “I didn’t have a father. These coaches and teachers gave me what I was lacking in my home life, like male role models. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. I was very lucky to attend Trinity. The education and the values instilled in me by those priests and lay teachers have guided me throughout life.”
A wish granted, a difference made
After graduating from Trinity in 1963, Joe attended the former St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, Indiana) on a basketball scholarship. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1967. He earned a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1977.
There were no social studies teaching positions open at Trinty after Joe earned his bachelor’s degree. He relocated to Borden, Indiana, and taught grade school and high school for two years to gain experience. Joe’s wish was to return to Trinity to teach and to give back what he had been given.
In 1969, Bob Pfaadt ’59, then-assistant principal, made Joe’s wish come true by offering him a teaching position. Then-Trinity principal, the late Rev. Thomas Duerr H’92, hired Joe to teach United States and world history for what became a 42-year career. Including his days as a Trinity student, Joe lived and loved Trinity for 46 years. His brothers, Aaron (1964) and Eddie (1971), also are Trinity alumni.
In addition to teaching, Joe served as head basketball coach for 21 years, starting in 1970. He won more than 300 games and received numerous coaching awards, including Seventh Region Coach of the Year. Additionally, he was inducted into the Metro Area Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches Court of Honor. He currently coaches his grandson Maverick’s sixth-grade basketball team at St. Edward Catholic School.
After one of the induction ceremonies, Joe said to his family: “These awards mean a great deal to me, but the one that will mean the most is if I ever make it into the Trinity Hall of Fame.”
He did just that in 2013.
The victories and awards didn’t mean as much to Joe as the difference he made in his students’ and players’ lives. Alumni frequently approach him at Trinity basketball games to tell him he helped to make them the men they are today. Additionally, during summer breaks, Joe held girls’ and boys’ basketball camps. Many of his former campers still recognize him as a great coach and teacher.
Joe also served on numerous Trinity boards and committees. He had a role in initiating daily Mass in the Chapel each morning before school. In 2011, his Trinity colleagues honored him with the Rev. Thomas Duerr “Teacher of the Year” Award.
A debt of gratitude
After retiring from Trinity, Joe continued to live his life based upon Christian values in the Catholic tradition. He takes communion to and prays with residents at nursing homes.
Joe is also active with the Alumni Association as a Class Agent and Alumni Phonathon caller. Additionally, he’s a longtime contributor to the Trinity Annual Fund for financial aid.
“I give because of the experience I had at Trinity,” Joe said. “If it hadn’t been for financial aid, my two brothers and I would not have been able to attend Trinity, and my two sisters wouldn’t have been able to attend Sacred Heart. I identify with people who have a challenging time with tuition. One of the best things Trinty has ever done is provide financial aid to try to make Trinity accessible for people. It was the most impactful four years of my life. I owe Trinity a lot. There’s no doubt I’m a teacher because of my Trinity experience as a student. I wanted to be like those coaches and priests.”
Joe and his wife, Betty (Eastern, 1966) have been married for 56 years. They are longtime members of St. Edward Catholic Church. They have two children, Courtney (Assumption, 1993) and Shaun (Trinity, 2001). They also have four grandchildren: Connor, 14; Addisyn, 13; Zach, 12; Maverick, 11; and Bryce, 5.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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