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My hero in sports died on Sunday. His name was Sleepy Thompson. He coached and taught at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School for the last 40 years.
Sleepy was, in his own way, the backbone of American sports. He was a true coach — a dignified, principled, caring teacher who stayed in high school coaching for 40 years because that’s where he could best influence the lives of hundreds of his players.
He never cheated, cursed, bent an academic rule or tolerated dirty play. He won by “taking whatever boys came through the door” and turning them into smart, tough teams. I’ve met coaches as successful as Sleepy, as ethical as Sleepy and even some who were as good for their players as Sleepy. But I never met one any better in all areas.
Thompson wasn’t famous or rich, although, had he chose, he might had been both. Sleepy could have had his pick of college coaching jobs in either football or basketball. He was that good and that widely respected.
In 32 years, his St. Stephen’s football teams were 203 -98-5 with 29 winning seasons, 12 Interstate Athletic Conference titles and three undefeated seasons. When he retired, he was the dean of Washington area high school coaches. In 20 years, his basketball teams were 307-178 with four IAC titles and several years in the area top 20.
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 TOURNAMENT AWARDS
- The Reverend Emmett H. Hoy, Jr., D.D. Sportsmanship Award
In honor of the beloved teacher and headmaster of St. Stephen’s School (1955-1975), the award commemorates the spirit of sportsmanship which Reverend Hoy exemplified. ... see all award winners
- Lee Barbash Free Throw Award
In honor of the beloved disabled friend of St. Stephen's & St. Agness School who became an excellent foul shooter despite developing polio as a child. Lee served as a tournament judge for many years. ... see all award winners
- Al "Sleepy" Thompson Championship Award
In honor of the St. Stephen's & St. Agnes coach and athletic director who founded the tournament in 1957, the award commemorates the achievement of excellence which Sleepy exemplified. ... see all award winners
- Richard P. Babyak Most Valuable Player Award
In honor of the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes teacher who served as the first Sleepy Thompson timer and continued for over a quarter of a century, the award commemorates the dedication and loyalty that Richard Babyak exemplified. ... see all award winners
- Patrick J. “Patty” McCarthy Outstanding Defensive Player Award
In honor of Patrick J. McCarthy, longtime tournament judge, who in his playing days was an outstanding defensive player. ... see all award winners
- Frederick Templeton Coach’s Award
In memory of Fred Templeton, teacher and coach, who exemplified the best in fundamentals of competitive sports. He was a volunteer coach at our school and in the Alexandria community. The award goes to the coach who represents the best in fair play, instruction, and enjoyment of the game of basketball. ... see all award winners
TOURNAMENT TEAM RECORDS
- Who won the most championchips?
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes! ... see ranking
- Who scored the most points in one tournament?
St. John's! ... see ranking
- Who scored the most pointst in one game?
Episcopal! ... see ranking
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