For the past 42 years, Coach William Tompkins has been involved in Walpole High School’s athletic programs as a physical education teacher, a soccer coach, a baseball coach, and, most recently, as Walpole’s athletic director.  Throughout these years, Mr. Tompkins has accomplished milestones both on the field, in the office, and in his personal life.

Mr. Tompkins started at Walpole High as a physical education teacher in 1973. As a teacher, he got to the opportunity to get to know his peers and become a good communicator.  Mr. Tompkins  began  coaching boys baseball that spring.

“I was hired as a teacher first then a coach, and I hope my greatest memory is that I was a good teacher,” said Mr. Tompkins.

Then in 1981, he continued his coaching career as a girls soccer coach until 2002. Under his leadership, a previously losing team won three Bay State League titles in the span of 12 years.

In 2009, Mr. Tompkins became Walpole High’s athletic director, and he continued to coach the baseball team as well.  As the athletic director, he communicated his expectations of student athletes in a way that gave him a respectable image in Walpole High School.

“[Tompkins] treats student athletes fairly and consistently,” said Principal Stephen Imbusch, “yet he holds them to a high standard. You always know where you stand with Coach Tompkins. He is also one of the hardest workers in the entire school district. People see this and appreciate how hard he works.”

In 2013, Walpole Baseball–led by captains Johnny Adams and Cam Hanley–made a historic accomplishment on behalf of their coach: Tompkins’ 500th win.  The achievement of perseverance and determination came at a time when he was as determined as ever not only in baseball, but in his personal life.

That same year, Tompkins became the epitome of strength and composure to all of Walpole’s student athletes as he battled with and overcame cancer.  A popular slogan in Tompkins’ honor was “Strikeout Cancer.”  Baseball fans gathered at the varsity games wearing t-shirts with “Rebels with a Cause” on the front and “Strikeout Cancer” on the back to honor Tompkins.

As his last season as athletic director comes to a close, Tompkins is still busy with spring sports.  The heavy snowfall this past winter postponed the start of most spring sports and left about 60 different games needing to be moved or cancelled.

“This spring has been very busy. This is the most difficult spring that I  have experienced in 42 years,” said Tompkins.

Game postponement has been especially stressful for Tompkins, as he is still the head baseball coach. However, he finds time to attend other spring sporting events to watch as many Walpole High athletes play as he can.

“I’m very proud of being able to get around to all events and know what’s going on. That’s been the enjoyment [as athletic director] – getting to see all the kids play,” Tompkins said.

As for next year, Walpole will welcome current teacher and varsity boys hockey coach Ron Dowd as athletic director.  Dowd is looking forward to updating resources regarding athletic programs to an online website.  However, Tompkins’ traditions will not be forgotten.

“There are thousands of students whose lives he has touched,” said Principal Imbusch. “He believes that hard work and effort are keys to success, and he imparts this philosophy to everyone he works with–students, teachers, coaches, and parents. Walpole High School is a much better place because of a person like Coach Tompkins.”