BOUNTIFUL — Bart Thompson, the man at the helm of Viewmont wrestling for the past 22 seasons, has resigned. Thompson, who led Viewmont to five state championships and one second-place finish, will take over the reins as Associate Director of the Utah High School Activities Association.

“This has been a hard decision,” Thompson said Sunday. “I love Viewmont High School and leaving is something I didn’t take lightly, but ultimately it came down to my family. The position with the Utah High School Activities Association will allow me more time with my family.”

Thompson is married with three sons, his eldest a sophomore at Viewmont.

“We have had a great run at Viewmont,” Thompson said. “We have a great group of wrestlers coming back next season and I also love coaching girls track and football as well. I also will miss the teaching of history to the students at Viewmont.”

One of the people closest to Thompson is Shandell Smoot. One of the several Smoots to be coached by Thompson and head of the Centerville Junior High wrestling program, Shandell was a two-time state champion for Thompson in the 1980s.

“With Bart Thompson you get a man who is much more than just a brilliant wrestling coach,” Smoot said. “You get a man who teaches the principles of hard work, dedication, playing by the rules, being fair and who truly loves the people he works with.”

“Bart doesn’t play favorites,” Smoot said. “He will hold you responsible and discipline you with love when needed.”

Smoot has often been given a great deal of credit by Thompson for the success of the Viewmont wrestling program. This Smoot declines.

“The reason Viewmont High wrestling has been successful in wrestling is because it was led by an amazing man in Bart Thompson. He leaves behind a legend of great teams, but more so his legacy of being a great human being.”

Thompson’s new position will keep him involved in many sports, especially wrestling.

“I’m not exactly certain as to what the circumstances will be with the new position, but I do know I will be involved in directing the state wrestling tournaments,” Thompson said. “That will be great because it will keep me involved and in a position where I can still see and interact with the people I’ve worked with all these years.”

Thompson will be involved in the process of finding a new coach for the Vikings.

“I am still very interested in the continued success of Viewmont High School as a whole and of course the wrestling program,” he said.