Tom was the optimal blend of intelligence and athleticism. His capacity to set the course of a ballgame was brilliantly illustrated in the 1975 District Basketball Championship. Stealing the ball at mid-court on several straight possessions in the opening minutes, he set the tone for the game, propelling the Tigers to a District title in convincing fashion. Tom was All-Conference in basketball, baseball, and football. In baseball, he lettered four years as an infielder and catcher. In basketball, he was named a Plain Dealer All-Scholastic. He earned All-State honors in football. At the University of Virginia, Tom lettered three years as a flanker on the football team.