By Chad Hutchinson
Simply the best. That’s the reoccurring response from coworkers, coaches and former students and players of recently retired Blissfield educator Denny Thompson.
“Denny is one heck of a coach and an even better person. He’s the best, that’s as simply as I can put it,” said former Blissfield head football coach Ron Estes.
Thompson’s career in the purple and gold has been a decorated one, from his years wearing the Royal uniform, to his years teaching and coaching those who carried on the Royal pride.
A 1969 graduate of Blissfield High School, Thompson was no stranger when it came to the football gridiron, the baseball diamond or the basketball hardwood. He garnered captain’s honors, all-state and all-league awards and the respect of his teammates and coaches. Thompson’s Royal career is such a decorated one, he has earned himself a place in the Blissfield Hall of Fame and will be inducted with the 2013 hall of fame class Sep. 14. Thompson continued his athletic success with a baseball career at Adrian College, where he also earned his teaching degree and majored in physical education with a minor in biology.
Having success in any sport that included his name on the roster, Thompson said he could never choose a true favorite. “What ever sports season it was, that’s what I liked,” he said.
Thompson himself would never acknowledge himself as anything special. He maintains a humble attitude and a simple philosophy. “What you are, is what you do, with what you’ve got.”
For the complete story, please see the June 19, 2013, edition of The Advance. Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc.
