By Russ Lackey, Campus Pastor at Grand View University
From the bottom to the baptismal fount, Eric Thompson knows what it is like to reverse position in wrestling and in life.
Thompson is a senior Liberal Arts major at Grand View University and the Viking’s two-time N.A.I.A. Heavy-weight National Champion.
Thompson transferred to Grand View after struggling with personal issues as Iowa State University. Guided by the “championship lifestyle” philosophy of Grand View’s wrestling coach, Nick Mitchell, Thompson has changed course. Thompson has excelled in school, served in student leadership, and has become a Christian.
In the fall, GV hosted a leadership series titled “Spark” that challenged students to take risks. Thompson, whose faith has been transformed by GV’s Theology Department, decided to take a risk and asked to be baptized. On October 20, 2013, Thompson was baptized at Luther Memorial Church. Unbeknownst to him, the Old Testament reading for the day spoke of Jacob wrestling with the Lord (Genesis 32:22-32). A perfect scripture for the day!
A month after his baptism, Thompson began this year’s season at a meet against Iowa State. Thompson triumphed by pinning ISU’s heavyweight in 42 seconds. A great reversal indeed!
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