Bennett Thompson: Coffeyville’s Versatile Runner and Leader
A small‑town athlete with big ambitions
Bennett Thompson isn’t from one of Kansas’s big‑school powerhouses; he runs for Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, a school that competes against Tri‑Valley programs like Caney Valley. Thompson grew up in a farming family and grew into a multi‑sport athlete, playing baseball, swimming and cross country. He is also active off the field as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and president of the school’s FFA chapter. Even with so many roles, he manages to excel in the classroom and has plans to study agribusiness at Kansas State University.
Emergence as a cross‑country leader
After qualifying for the state cross‑country meet with his team as a sophomore, Thompson entered the 2024 season “in the best shape I’ve ever been in.” He spent the summer meeting every morning with teammates to run, and the extra work paid off: by mid‑October he had placed fifth at the and Parsons meets and ninth at Fort Scott. In a season‑opening invitational at Labette County, he ran 18:32 to finish second overall and help Field Kindley place second among Southeast Kansas League schools. His time of 19:03 later in the season ranked him among the SEK Elite Top 40 runners, and he was just behind Caney Valley’s Cash Brown and Silas Good.
Thompson credits a new coach, Larson Hoggatt, for adding recovery and body‑care routines to their workouts. “He’s taught us to take care of our bodies and about the importance of recovery,” Thompson said. He also embraces a leadership role: “I see myself as one of the leaders on the team, and we plan to set an example for the underclassmen.” As a junior he helped mentor a talented freshman group that included his younger brother, relishing the opportunity to share the sport that he fell in love with because his dad had run in high school.
Multi‑sport versatility
While cross country is Thompson’s passion, he is a three‑sport athlete. He swims on the Independence/Field Kindley cooperative team and was part of two sixth‑place relays at the Campus Invitational; he also finished seventh in the 100‑yard freestyle with a time of 58.85 seconds. In baseball he has contributed as a pitcher, outfielder and second baseman. In April 2025 he came on in relief against Pittsburg when the Golden Tornado baseball team tried to manage its pitching staff through a busy week. Though Pittsburg took advantage of the change, head coach Will Owens praised the team’s resilience and said the staff was focused on managing arms for multiple games. Thompson’s willingness to fill whatever role is needed, whether on the mound or in the outfield, reflects the versatility he exhibits in cross country and swimming.
Off the course and future plans
As a student leader, Thompson balances athletics with service. He is an active member of FCA and the president of the FFA chapter, which aligns with his passion for agriculture. He plans to major in Agribusiness and Management at Kansas State University and eventually return to Coffeyville to work in his family’s business. His community involvement and academic ambition set him apart from many high‑school athletes.
Outlook and legacy
In the Southeast Kansas League, Field Kindley competes against small‑school programs like Caney Valley. Thompson’s performances—often racing neck‑and‑neck with Caney runners—highlight how a dedicated work ethic can elevate an entire program. With one more season remaining, he aims to qualify individually for state and medal at every meet. Whether he is logging early‑morning miles, swimming laps, taking the mound or leading the FCA and FFA, Bennett Thompson embodies the spirit of a small‑town athlete striving for excellence. His blend of versatility, leadership and academic focus offers a blueprint for future Golden Tornado runners and underscores why southeast Kansas cross country remains one of the region’s best‑kept secrets.
