P'burg coach resigns RICK THOMPSON's third stint with wrestling team is over after three years. Tuesday, July 25, 2006 • By MIKE WEILAMANN • The Express-Times PHILLIPSBURG | In a dramatic turn of events, Rick Thompson stepped down Monday as head cross country and wrestling coach at Phillipsburg High School, closing another controversial chapter of his storied coaching career. Before a crowd of about 150, most of which were Thompson supporters, he resigned publicly after emerging from a closed-door meeting with the board that lasted one hour and 20 minutes. "I deeply regret resigning as wrestling and cross country coach," said an emotional Thompson. "It's the best thing for my family. I can't deal with this anymore." The administration has been conducting an investigation into Thompson since the spring, part of which focuses on receipts and vouchers he submitted from team trips to the NJSIAA District 1, Region 1 and the state championships last season. Thompson still remains employed as a health and physical education teacher at the high school, though it is unclear whether he will keep that position. "I anticipate the final resolution of this matter will be at hand very soon," said Richard Bauch, the school district's labor attorney. Bauch would not say whether Thompson accepted a deal to resign as coach in order to keep his teaching position. Bauch declined to comment any further regarding Thompson's teaching status or on the investigation. "Hopefully it'll be completely resolved to everyone's satisfaction very soon," he said. Thompson was served with a Rice notice prior to the special board meeting July 17, an action taken when a government body plans to discuss an employee's performance or job status. He has opted to keep the details of the investigation private under advice of his attorney. Thompson was accompanied by counsel Monday night. Thompson, 51, declined to discuss the resignation or what prompted it when reached after the meeting. When the board reconvened, Thompson addressed the crowd and received thunderous applause when he approached the podium. Afterward, Thompson, who lives in Lower Nazareth Township, received another round of applause from both his supporters and many of the board members. He embraced his wife, Becky, and the couple left the room where he was greeted with handshakes from several fans, parents and students. "I want to thank everyone here for supporting me. I'm deeply touched," Thompson said during his address. "I wish the new coaches all the best and wish that you show them the class you've always showed me." Board President Paul Rummerfield said Thompson asked to address the board Monday in a closed session. "Rick was not asked to resign," Rummerfield said. "We were able to resolve a situation which was only going to get worse." Bob Coyle, treasurer of the Line Club which supports the wrestling program, attended Monday's meeting. Coyle, whose son Bobby wrestled for Thompson, spoke on Thompson's behalf at the July 17 meeting. "Obviously he was in between a rock and a hard place," Coyle said Monday. "He took the position which was best for his family and the program." Thompson was ousted twice before as the head wrestling coach in the late 1980s and mid-1990s. The former two-time state champ at Phillipsburg was hired for his third stint as wrestling coach prior to the 2003-04 school year. The Stateliners went 13-8 this past season and captured the NJSIAA North 2 Group 4 sectional crown -- the school's 26th title in 27 years since the sectionals were formed in 1980. In three seasons since his return, Phillipsburg is 43-21 overall and has won three Skyland Conference Delaware West Division titles, three sectional crowns and the Group 3 state title in 2004. In cross country, Thompson guided the Stateliners to a 6-0 campaign last fall in which Phillipsburg won the Skyland Conference Delaware West Division title and the program's first-ever NJSIAA Group 4 state title. Mike Weilamann can be reached at 800-360-3601 or by e-mail at mweilamann@express-times.com © 2006 The Express-Times. Used with permission.