Kane Thompson steps down as Cedar Rapids Prairie wrestling coach

CEDAR RAPIDS — Kane Thompson still has a passion for wrestling and coaching, but this was a professional opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

Unfortunately, the demands won’t allow him to do both.

Thompson confirmed Friday that he is stepping down as Cedar Rapids Prairie’s head wrestling coach, accepting an administrator post within College Community Schools. According to a news release from the school district, Thompson will become the At-Risk Programming and Prairie Delta Site Administrator effective July 1, pending board approval.

“The position opened up,” Thompson said. “I decided to apply and things snowballed from there.

“The responsibility of it and coaching don’t mix real well.”

Prairie Delta is an extension of Prairie High School located on the Kirkwood Community College campus. The program serves students in grades 9-12 in the College Community School District who seek a smaller learning environment.

“I am very excited to join the administrative team in the College Community School District as the At-Risk Director and Prairie Delta Site Administrator,” Thompson said in the news release. “Working at Prairie High School the past six years has provided me with a variety of leadership opportunities that will serve me well in this position. I am looking forward to this opportunity.”

He would like to remain involved in the sport, but doesn’t know what capacity. It depends on what his new responsibilities will allow.

“My passion for wrestling is still there, even if I’m gone,” Thompson said. “It didn’t change. That piece was hard to give up.”

“I still want to support the sport.”

Thompson, who entered the season with a 245-108 career dual record, has led the Hawks for six seasons, taking over after creating a state title program at Alburnett. He guided Prairie to two Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet titles, placing in the top two all five times. Prairie made two state duals appearances during Thompson’s tenure.

He has coached 36 state qualifiers and 18 state medalists, including four finalists. Blake Gioimo was the Class 3A 106-pound runner-up in February.

The Hawks finished in the top 10 twice and finished 12th or better four times under Thompson, who sees a bright future a head for the program.

“It’s on the verge on being on the rise,” Thompson said. “This team is going to have some serious contenders in the MVC and state tournament. The ninth and 10th graders are really solid and more good kids not far behind.”

Thompson said the next coach will inherit talent and a program that has strong participation, filling three competitive lineups at all levels and fielding a competitive youth club.

“It’s unbelievable the amount of support you get from the school, the fans and community,” Thompson said. “It’s a great place to coach wrestling.

“The foundation was built before I got here. It means a lot to somewhat be a part of the Prairie wrestling legacy.”

The search for a replacement will begin immediately. Prairie Athletics Director Rocky Bennett said he would like to fill the position as quickly as the process allows.

“At the end of the day, I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Bennett said. “I’m so happy for Kane. He’s been tremendous for our program.”

Read the full College Community Schools news release:

Kane Thompson to Lead Prairie Delta and At-Risk Programming

The College Community School District did not have to look far for its next At-Risk Programming and Prairie Delta Site Administrator. Kane Thompson, currently the Building Facilitator at Prairie High School, will become the new At-Risk Director and Prairie Delta Administrator for the College Community School District effective July 1, 2021, pending board approval. He replaces Angela Scholl who will be leaving at the end of the school year.

Prairie Delta is an extension of Prairie High School located on the Kirkwood Community College campus. The program serves students in grades 9-12 in the College Community School District who seek a smaller learning environment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kane to this position at Prairie Delta and to the district administrative team. Through his role as a building facilitator for College Community, Kane has a history of building solid relationships, dedication to Prairie’s students and families, and high standards. He was selected from a very strong pool of internal and external candidates.”

Kane, who is in his 17th year as an educator, has honed his skills in a variety of leadership positions. He currently leads initiatives at Prairie High School in social, emotional, and behavioral health and is the lead for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). In addition, Kane monitors student attendance and partners with families to improve student attendance and he coaches teachers and paraprofessionals on effective classroom practices that promote positive behavior. Kane has also led the wrestling program for the past 6 six years where his teams finished with two MVC Conference titles, two State Duals appearances, and numerous state medalists.

Kane, a native of Grinnell, Iowa, earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health from Coe College and a Master’s of Arts and Education in PK-12 Principal/Special Education Supervisor from the University of Northern Iowa.

“I am very excited to join the administrative team in the College Community School District as the At-Risk Director and Prairie Delta Site Administrator,” said Kane. “Working at Prairie High School the past six years has provided me with a variety of leadership opportunities that will serve me well in this position. I am looking forward to this opportunity.”