COPPELL, TEXAS CELEBRATES TOM THOMPSON APPRECIATION DAY

Author/Professor/Motivator Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II Honored by his Hometown for His NCAA Record-Breaking Achievements  

Pictured (L to R): Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II joins Coppell, Texas, Mayor Karen Hunt to celebrate Coppell's annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day and discuss the upcoming release of the updated and expanded edition of Kick Start. (Tom Thompson ph…

Pictured (L to R): Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II joins Coppell, Texas, Mayor Karen Hunt to celebrate Coppell's annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day and discuss the upcoming release of the updated and expanded edition of Kick Start. (Tom Thompson photo)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 12, 2017) - On November 14, 2009, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II kicked his way into the record books. At age 61, he became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a point when he kicked the PAT (Point After Touchdown) in the second quarter of the game between Austin College and Trinity University.

Thompson's hometown of Coppell, Texas, is honoring that record-breaking feat today during its annual Tom Thompson Appreciation Day. During the event, Thompson made a personal appearance in town, meeting with Mayor Karen Hunt, and discussing the updated and expanded edition of his inspiring autobiography, Kick Start, which details his remarkable accomplishments.

"Coppell, Texas might be the perfect place to live, work and raise a family," says Thompson. "I am so blessed to live here, and I am honored to celebrate Tom Thompson Appreciation Day with Mayor Hunt!"  

The new updated and expanded edition of Kick Start includes tips on goal setting and intentionality, explores the link between goal setting and physical fitness, and offers suggestions for ditching the "bucket list" for something even better. The new edition is slated to release January 31, 2017 through Clovercroft Publishing.

"Like many people, I grew up feeling as though I couldn't catch a break," muses the author, speaker and NCAA football record holder. "With obstacles and setbacks from a very early age, I struggled to find meaning and purpose. As an adult with no real plan, my self-absorbed lifestyle led to divorce, financial stress, and physical injuries. But in time, I found my faith, my purpose, and my soulmate. I discovered it's never too late to kick start your life."   

At an age when most people are contemplating retirement, Thompson earned the first of numerous academic degrees. Through the process of earning a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and ultimately a doctorate, Thompson realized the power of setting goals and striving to reach them. But he also recognized that not all goals are created equal.

"Have you ever achieved a goal, but then didn't experience the long-term sense of fulfillment you were expecting?" asks Thompson. "That happens when you set a goal that is not tied to a core value. When you set a goal that is tied to a core value, you have a greater chance of gaining lasting fulfillment, and it has the added benefit of affecting a whole lot more people than just yourself."

Thompson wrote his inspirational and motivational autobiography, Kick Start, to encourage older adults who are approaching their golden years, as well as anyone seeking a career change, to seize their future with both hands.  

"Each day approximately 6,000 Americans turn 65, the traditional age at which people clean out their desk, accept a gold watch from the company and head for the rocking chair," adds Thompson. "But we are witnessing a movement that is changing the face of the nation, and ultimately the world. The boomer generation that is approaching retirement age is more well-educated, healthier, and more motivated than any previous generation in American history. They have a tremendous amount of work experience and life skills that can provide a multitude of opportunities. If my story says anything, it is that it is never too late to re-imagine what you want your life to be." 

To learn more about Thompson and Kick Start, visit 91kick.com


About Tom Thompson and Kick Start:

Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson II, D.S.L., M.S., M.A., entered the health and fitness industry after a 20-year career in commercial real estate. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from LeTourneau University, a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, and a Doctor of Strategic Leadership Degree from Regent University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Austin College. 

Dr. Thompson is an active researcher with numerous co-authored articles in peer reviewed academic journals. He has co-authored the books Fit To Lead (St. Martin's Press) and

Kick Start (Carpenter's Son Publishing). In addition to his writing, Dr. Thompson also lectures to both lay and academic groups. 

A former Board of Advisors member of the American Council on Martial Arts, Dr. Thompson is an American-born Tae Kwon Do grandmaster, holding the rank of 9th degree black belt.  

On November 14, 2009, he became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a point in a game.

To learn more about Dr. Thompson and Kick Start, visit 91kick.com

 

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