Henderson "Heckie" Thompson graduated from Stockdale High School and Morehead State University. His 21 year coaching career was devoted to Western High School where he won 303 games and lost 159.

During his tenure at Western, Coach Thompson captured numerous titles including: 4 League, 4 Sectional, 3 District and 1 Regional. He was Southeastern Coach of the Year in 1968 and 1971. Heckie was Ohio AP and UPI Coach of the Year in 1968 when his team went undefeated during the regular season.

He also coached the North-South All-Star Game in 1968. "Heckie" was active in the OHSBCA serving as District 14 Director for 16 years. Heckie's wife, Nancy, currently resides in Waverly, Ohio.