By BENJAMIN HERROLD
People remember many things about George Thompson. That contagious smile. The thousands of jokes. And of course, that big black cowboy hat.
“You always knew it was him by the big black cowboy hat,” said Amy Dyer, a teacher at the high school and the former Monroe City girls basketball coach.
George Thompson, or just Big George to those who knew him, will be remembered as one of the biggest fans Monroe City athletics ever had. Thompson, who passed away last week, drove the bus to Monroe City sporting events for many years, attended countless Monroe City games, and was, as Dyer said, the only person allowed to sit on the bench with the team who wasn’t a coach or manager.
Big George was the personality of Monroe City athletics. He was always there, supporting the kids. Even people in surrounding communities knew of Big George and his dedication.
“Everywhere you went, everyone knew Big George,” longtime Monroe City football coach Dale Labuary said.
Labuary knew how Big George loved basketball, the sport he refereed for years, so the two of them had a joking, ongoing debate about which sport was better, football or basketball. Of course, Big George went to all the sports, and loved it when Labuary’s teams started making runs in the playoffs and winning state titles.
Big George’s contributions went beyond the playing field. He would donate money to other athletic groups besides just the teams, such as the cheerleading squad.
“He was just a good, caring person,” Labuary said. “He cared about everyone, but was also not afraid to speak his mind.”
Big George often spoke to share his wonderful jokes. The jokes brightened the day, made the good feelings after wins better and the dark times after losses seem less dark.
“He always had a joke to tell,” assistant basketball coach Brooke Ludwig said.
Through the years, this caring, dedicated, happy man left an indelible mark on Monroe City athletics. When asked to describe Big George’s personality, Dyer gave a response that sums up how unique he was, a response that members of the Monroe City community will understand.
“He was Big George.”