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STEELHAWKS THOMPSON RESIGNS AS HEAD COACH

November 15, 2017 - National Arena League (NAL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Allentown, PA : The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks announced today that Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Chris Thompson has resigned from his post with the team. Thompson's move allows him to pursue a new opportunity in a soon to be announced Front Office and Coaching role. Thompson will fulfill his duties and assist in the transition phase of finding a new Head Coach and Assistant General Manager until the New Year.

"It is a sad day here in Steelhawks country, but we are extremely happy for Coach Thompson and the opportunity he has in front of him to further his career," stated Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark. "For the past six season Coach Thompson has embodied everything that we as an organization asked of our leader. He has led winning teams, helped grow and mold young men in the sport, and has established himself in this community and fostered many relationships with fans and performance partners alike. He will always be a Steelhawk, and we were honored to have him part of our family."

Thompson leaves the Steelhawks having accrued a 40-27 regular season record, and leading the team to a playoff berth in each of his six seasons. In 2014, Thompson led the Steelhawks to a PIFL National Conference title and an appearance in the PIFL Title game. This past season, he led the Steelhawks to a franchise best 9-1 regular season record, which culminated in him winning the 2017 National Arena League Coach of the Year honor.

"For the last seven years (six seasons) now, I have had the honor to be the Steelhawks Head Coach/AGM and I can't thank everyone enough what that has meant to me and my family," stated Thompson. "I am forever grateful to the fans and the Steelhawks organization for the ride we have enjoyed. Lehigh Valley will always hold a special place in my heart. We have accomplished so much together and I know none of it would have been achieved without your continued passion, love, and support of the Black and Vegas Gold. I will be leaving with only one regret though, and that is we couldn't bring the Steelhawks first ever League Championship to the Valley, like I promised, but I know the best is yet to come for the Nest. However, I am completely content in knowing the Steelhawks are in a better place from where this journey started six years ago and that gives me great pride that I was able to be a part of that with you. I am forever in debt to the Clark Family, the best fans in arena football, all of our awesome partners that have continued to support us over the years, and the players and coaches that did everything I/we asked of them. I know with the Clark family at the helm and the best fans in arena football, the tradition, professionalism, and excellence as one of the elite professional sports organizations in the country will continue. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! This was an awesome ride and I will miss the Nest and Steelhawks Nation tremendously."

The move leaves a vacancy at the helm of the Steelhawks which the team plans to move quickly on filling according to Clark. An announcement regarding who will be named the third Head Coach in team history will be made at a future press conference in the coming weeks.

"We want to thank Coach Thompson for everything he has helped build and establish here in the Valley," stated Clark. "Our next Head Coach has big shoes to fill."

Steelhawks 2018 season tickets are NOW ON SALE! Call 610-224-4625 to reserve your seats! Season ticket packages start as low as $56. All Steelhawks games are played on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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