Signed a letter of intent at ceremony in CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Chester High School senior, Lucas Thompson, has decided to continue his golf career at the next level at McKendree University next year. Thompson made the decision in mid-February 2024 and signed a letter of intent at an official ceremony at CHS Wednesday February 21.
The senior YellowJacket golfer was a dependable and dedicated member of the YellowJacket squad and was one of several keys to the Jacket’s success.
Lucas began his high school career in the 2020-21 school year and played throughout his sophomore (2021-22), junior (2022-23), and senior (2023-24) seasons. He earned a varsity letter his final three years and placed 3rd overall in this year’s Chester Invitational Tournament. Lucas was Medalist this fall when CHS traveled to Anna-Jonesboro to play Cobden.
CHS Athletic Director, Jenny Cartwright, introduced Thompson at the signing ceremony and welcomed guests. Thompson was joined by his current Head Coach, Jaden Mott, fellow YellowJacket golfers, friends, family, CHS staff, and media who were all present to witness the occasion and wish him the best of luck in his future as a collegiate golfer.
McKendree University is a Division II school, therefore, the Bearcats Head Coach, Mikal Guffey, was not allowed to participate in the signing event. In attendance with Lucas at the signing table were his parents, Keith and Christal Thompson and Grandparents Jim and Deb Faverty.
Also in attendance were three teammates that played with Lucas this year on the YellowJacket’s Varsity squad including Tallen James, Evan Dunning and Noah Homan. Former CHS Golf Coach, Chris Toledo, joined the celebration as well as Lucas’s Head Baseball Coach, Jacob Wente.
At CHS Lucas has played Golf, Baseball, and Basketball. He plays 1st base and 3rd base for Coach Wente on the YellowJacket Baseball Team. He was a regular player on Coach Toledo’s YellowJacket Basketball Team and was in the starting line-up on Coach Mott’s CHS YellowJacket Golf Team.
Lucas is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a Leader in the CHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization. He is a “HIVE” Pep Club member and has been active in the CHS Spanish Club.
Lucas said, “I have really enjoyed my time in the Spanish Club and I have really liked Mr. Dwight Lochhead’s Calculus class. I also have enjoyed Mrs. Durbin’s classes.”
Head Golf Coach, Jaden Mott said, “Lucas was my only senior coming into my first year of coaching this fall. I couldn’t say enough about how much of a leadership role he played in that senior spot.”
“I was very impressed with his dedication and hard work all season, as he was almost always the first player to practice and the last to leave. He was a very easy player to coach and he was a big help with easing me into this coaching position. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior.”
Lucas will begin his college experience at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois next fall of 2024 as a freshman. He is looking forward to playing golf at the next level and will study to earn a degree in Cyber-Security.
Chester High School senior Lucas Thompson (center) signs a letter of intent Wednesday February 21 to play golf at McKendree University. With him are his parents Keith and Christal Thompson. Jim Beers Photo
CHS senior Lucas Thompson (center) a YellowJacket golfer, signed a letter of intent Wednesday February 21 at CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria. At the ceremony with Lucas at the signing table were parents Keith and Christal Thompson (sitting) and Grandparents Jim and Deb Faverty (standing). Jim Beers Photo
Lucas Thompson (middle) a Chester High School senior golfer, has decided to continue his golfing career at the collegiate level next year at McKendree University. He signed a letter of intent Wednesday February 21 at CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria. YellowJacket Golf teammates Noah Homan (left) and Evan Dunning (right), and Tallen James (standing), joined Lucas at the event to show support and wish him well in his future at the Collegiate level. Jim Beers Photo
The electronic/computerized billboard in the CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria announces Lucas Thompson’s signing event Wednesday February 21, Shown here the proud senior poses for a photo in front of his announcement. Jim Beers Photo
Lucas Thompson (center) ,a Chester High School senior golfer, poses for a photo following the signing of a letter of intent to play golf next year at the collegiate level at McKendree University. With him are teammates Noah Homan and Evan Dunning (sitting) , and Tallen James (standing left) and CHS Head Golf Coach Jaden Mott (standing right). Jim Beers Photo