Upper Iowa University Athletics

Cliff Thompson, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and wellness, is being inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame as an athlete.
 
Thompson was a four-year letter winner for the Peacock wrestling squad from 1999-2002 and wrestled under coaches Mike McCready and Heath Grimm. A three-time NCAA Division III All-American 197 pounds, he was the national runner-up in 2002 following a fourth place finish in 2001 and a sixth place finish in 2000. He was instrumental in leading the Peacocks to a second place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships in 2002, the highest national finish by an Upper Iowa program.
 
Thompson was a four-time place winner in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament including a second place finish as a junior and senior; he placed third in 2000 and fourth in 1999. Thompson ended his Peacock wrestling career with a record of 136-37, which marks the record for wins in a career at Upper Iowa. 
 
A graduate of Randleman High School in Randleman, North Carolina, he had an outstanding interscholastic wrestling and football career.  He made three appearances in the state tournament highlighted by his junior season when he claimed the state title with a 34-0 record.  He placed second as a senior and third as a sophomore and also earned all-conference honors as a defensive lineman in football.
 
Thompson is currently in his third year as the head wrestling coach at Paige High School in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He also works as a special education teacher at Paige.  He is competing in amateur martial arts and has earned the Elite Champion Belt at 205 pound in the state of North Carolina. He plans on starting a pro career in 2013. Thompson currently lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.