Clarence Thompson is moving on to the next challenge.
Fairview’s boys basketball coach has vacated that position by resigning, he said Saturday, after two years leading his alma mater. The Eagles went 23-39 during that time, including an 8-23 mark this past winter.
“I just kindly thought this is probably the right time to proceed with my career a little better in the area,” Thompson said. “Nothing against Fairview. Fairview’s been great to me. No issues there. It’s just probably the right time for me, Clarence Thompson, to take my talents to another spot.”
Thompson, a 1986 Fairview graduate, left Westwood, Kentucky, after his own high-scoring Eagles playing career to Oral Roberts to play college basketball, as well as semi-professional and pro-am stints.
He found a measure of success from his Fairview coaching career, even without exceptional results in the win-loss column.
“My job is to get the kids ready for the game of life,” Thompson said. “I feel I’ve done that in two years, especially with kids having the opportunity to go to college, play basketball and get their education paid for. That’s the name of the game. I just wish that everyone could understand that.”
Thompson’s successor will be the Eagles’ fourth coach in six seasons since Fairview coach Derek Cooksey departed for Russell in 2019. Cooksey was the bench boss in Westwood for 10 years.
The Eagles are seeking their first winning record since 2014-15 and first trip to the 16th Region Tournament in 2016.
Fairview athletic director Rick Lambert said he was unable to comment as of press time.
Attempts to reach Fairview superintendent Jackie Risden Hawley were unsuccessful as of deadline.
