You may know him as “spaceman,”a nickname he received at A&T because of his ability to jump. Today, Roy Thompson is the head coach of the men’s track team, and third all-time winningest coach in A&T history.Thompson competed for the Aggies in 1964-1968, as a sprinter and long jumper. Some of his accomplishments are:1) All-CIAA Long Jump, 1967-68All-CIAA Triple Jump, 19682) NCAA Eastern Regional Champion Long and Triple Jump, 19683) North Carolina AAU Collegiate Champion, 1968″Athletes first, winning second,” is how Thompson sums up the coaching style he feels is most effective. He feels taking care of his athletes’ needs allow them to perform at their fullest potential. He feels this sets him apart from other coaches. Also, attending track clinics and being able to adapt to a new philosophy also gives him the extra edge. Thompson feels you can never know enough about one particular sport. “He is a excellent coach and has a lot to show for it,” assistant women’s track coach Kim Wilson said. He was named coach of the year five times in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and has coached over 50 MEAC champions, both indoor and outdoor. He has also coached two Olympians, Ruth Morris and Troy Douglas who competed in the 1988-92 games. Included on Thompson’s list of coaching achievements are one indoor and four outdoor Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference track and field titles, and five runner-up finishes from 1994-98. During the period from 1994-96 the men’s track and field program won three straight outdoor titles. Thompson feels the athlete must want something bad enough in order to achieve it. “Athletes need desire, without desire you can’t become a good runner,” he said.In the famous words of “spaceman” himself, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” He also states, “The amount you put in is the amount you get out.” Thompson received his B.S. degree in political science and B.A. in history from A&T in 1975. He has been married to Linda F. Grant for 30 years. They have two children who attended A&T, Nikki and Marcus, whom he coached through college.