Oklahoma State University Athletics
Johnny Thompson
September 23, 2003 | Cowboy Wrestling
2002: Thompson became OSU's 122nd individual national champion during the 2002 season after defeating Ryan Lewis of Minnesota, 5-4, at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. Thompson's road to his national championship began with a 10-3 decision against Shawn Amistade of Pittsburgh. He then advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Lock Haven's Chris Spealler, 6-2. Thompson pinned Jeff Ratliff of Ohio State in 2:04 to advance to the semifinals. During the semifinal match, he squared off with OU's Witt Durden for the sixth time in his career. He remained perfect against Durden after winning a 4-2 decision. Thompson closed out the season by winning his last 28 matches. Thompson notched nine falls and 70 takedowns in his 37 victories. He also accumulated 76 dual points in his 21 dual victories. Thompson was perfect in Big 12 action at 5-0 and captured his second individual Big 12 crown. He was selected to wrestle at the NWCA All-Star match, where he garnered a victory against Durden, defeating him 7-2. Thompson cruised through the Cliff Keen Open, winning all four of his matches and capturing a first-place finish. He also posted a 3-1 record at the Reno Tournament of Champions to finish second. Thompson was selected to the second-team Academic All-Big 12 and received the OSU Academic Achievement Award. He was also honored as the top academic junior.
2001: Thompson entered the year as a non-starter, but came away with All-America honors after placing second at Nationals. Thompson boasted a 32-3 overall record and an 11-2 mark in dual action. He won all three of his matches at the Big 12 Tournament en route to capturing his first Big 12 title. Out of his 32 victories, nine came by fall.
2000: Thompson went undefeated in 1999-2000 with a 13-0 record wrestling unattached for the Cowboys. In his 13 wins, Thompson posted four falls, three major decisions and one technical fall. He won the Fort Hays State Open and the Great Plains Open.
High School: Thompson was the 1999 Oklahoma Class 5A State Champion for Putnam City West High School. He was a four-time state qualifier and a two-time runner-up. He posted a 38-0 record his senior season and a 136-11 overall record. He was a three-time regional champion and a third-place finisher at the 1999 High School Nationals.
Personal: Johnny is the son of Chuck Thompson and Darcy Lytle and has one brother, Chuck. He is majoring in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies, and enjoys wrestling and lifting weights in his spare time. He was born June 10, 1981.
