Coach Thompson is starting his sixth campaign with the Pioneers and was promoted to defensive coordinator three years ago. After playing four seasons at Marist College and graduating with a degree in Business/Human Resources in 1994, the Rome, NY native stayed on at his alma mater as an assistant coach in 1996 and stayed for two seasons. His 1997 Red Fox backfield was part of a defensive unit that was ranked first in the nation and set two NCAA records for yards per carry and rushing yards per game. Thompson then spent two seasons on the staff at Northeast Conference rival St. Francis-PA, coaching the defensive backs and linebackers one year apiece.