Thompson delivers for Tigers

CHARLESTON — It makes sense that Ben Thompson’s favorite class is math now that he has a high grade-point average, and that his least favorite class is history since he’s put that behind him.

Thompson failed several classes as a ninth-grader and carried a 1.7 GPA.

“After the ninth grade, I had to come in every morning to study and get my eligibility back,” Thompson said. “I was doing credit recovery. I failed a lot of classes in the ninth grade.”

Charleston Coach Ricky May became personally involved, and now Thompson will likely start at linebacker this season and maybe at right tackle on the offensive line as well.

“Two years ago, I didn’t even know if he was going to be eligible,” May said. “He’s got his grades up and going to start at linebacker and possibly on the line for us.”

More important than playing football, Thompson now has a 3.2 GPA and loves math.

“It just clicks,” Thompson said.

Three years ago, though, Thompson’s future as a student and an athlete were in doubt.

“I didn’t think I’d have a chance to play,” Thompson said. “He told me to work hard. Once I knew I had a chance to play, it was my time to shine.”

It was May who provided the swift kick.

“It was Coach May,” Thompson said. “For sure.”

Thompson will be especially needed on defense in the upcoming season with the loss of starters at key positions and just 28 players on the roster.

“We lost a lot of defensive strengths last year,” Thompson said. “Going through the team camps, I think we can be pretty good.”

Thompson could be like several Tigers who go both ways this season.

“The biggest thing is we don’t have a lot of depth,” May said. “We have 28 kids on our roster. Most of the kids we have are at least one-year starters. The key is keeping them healthy.”

Charleston hosted three team camps in June and will return to preparing for the season after the Arkansas Activities Association’s mandatory dead period, which prohibits any organized team activities from June 26 through July 10.

Charleston returns to the 3A-1 Conference in the fall with only one change albeit a big one as rival Booneville, and May’s alma mater, replaces Lincoln. The expectations remain the same for the Tigers, who have won or shared 28 conference titles since the AAA formed official districts in 1946.

“I’ve been in a place where they’re not very high, and I’d much rather have them high,” May said. “High expectations are good. Our kids know that. Every day when come to work, they know they’re there and they’re going to do their best.”