PROFILE: Sam Thompson was born on December 23, 1888 in Reynolds, Nebraska and died on May 27, 1952 in Sommerton, Arizona. He was a miner in Arizona before entering the greyhound business. He valued hard work and was a man of integrity who stood up for what was right. While in the industry, he resided at Jewell City, Kansas.

HISTORY: Thompson raced greyhounds at a time when the industry was in its infant years; he traveled from racetrack to racetrack with his kennel of greyhounds. He is listed as an owner of registered greyhounds in the 1924-1925 Stud Book.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Through four generations, Thompson’s descendants have continued to raise greyhounds and take an active role in the industry, continuing the legacy Thompson left behind. His son-in-law, Merrill Blair, and grandson, Carroll Blair have been inducted into the Greyhound Hall of Fame.