Coach Tom graduated from Marshall University in West Virginia in 1960 and took his first wrestling-coaching job at Morehead State University in Kentucky from 1967-68.  In 1970, Tom started the wrestling program at Okeechobee High School and in 1974 he started a club program practicing the Olympic styles.  In 1975, Tom retired from coaching when he became a school administrator as a dean and assistant principal at Okeechobee High School, but he continued his commitment to wrestling by supporting the high school wrestling program and club program.

Tom and his wife, Ann, helped run tournaments at Okeechobee and where ever they were asked to help throughout the state, transported wrestlers to tournaments and were actively involved in the promotion of wrestling through the 1990's.  When Tom's grandson became involved in the Florida Amateur Wrestling Associations Kids wrestling program, Tom got back involved while his grandson participated.

Tom coached three state place winners during his coaching career: Tom Kingery, Scott Walker and George Jackson.  However, he also mentored Jon Henry, Steve Sentes and Bruce Janner who are very successful wrestling coaches and contributors.