Hall of Fame
Mary Pat Thompson had the pleasure of participating on teams at UW-Oshkosh before the days of “modern” sports and becoming a letterwinner.
Before equality for women’s athletic teams and established sports conferences, Thompson was a member of the women’s unofficial badminton, fencing, volleyball and track & field teams in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967.
After graduating from UW-Oshkosh in 1967, Thompson began teaching in the Omro Public School System and started Omro High School Interscholastic teams. Coaching basketball, track & field, softball and volleyball she got the ball rolling for girls’ participation in sports in Omro. She also served as an advisor for Pom Pon and cheerleading and was a member of the Athletic Council. Thompson also had the privilege of serving on the WIAA Sports Advisory Board.
“I’m from the Dark Ages,” said Thompson. “But thankfully, just on the edge. In high school we were lucky to be able to sneak off to attend a play day or UW-Oshkosh sports day. I did report to high school boys’ basketball practice, but was turned away! Just after graduation from UW-Oshkosh the high school and additional college teams were emerging. It was exciting to be a part of the ‘coming of age’ of women’s sports. It would have been super to have the opportunities that the athletes today have”.
As a distinguished administrator and educator, Thompson was named the 1980 District Teacher of the Year, was awarded the 1995 Omro High School Student Council Special Award and received the 1998 Omro Community Service Award.
