Tom was born in Chicago, IL where he participated in wrestling, football and baseball. He received a scholarship to wrestle at Joliet Jr. College. He then went to UTEP for one year before they dropped their wrestling program and was then picked up by Coach Bill Nelson and the University of Arizona program. He was an All American in wrestling.
Tom received degrees from the University of Arizona in PE, Health and Drivers Ed. He also received his Masters Degree from the University of Phoenix.
Tom taught PE for three years at Apollo Jr. High School where he coached the freshman football and wrestling teams. In 1976 Tom moved to Sahuaro High School where he stayed for 26 years. He taught PE, Health and Drivers Ed. He was the freshman football coach and the head wrestling coach. He then moved to Rincon/University High School for the last five years before retiring as a teacher. While at Rincon/University, he taught PE, Health and Drivers Ed as well as coaching the freshman football team and wrestling. In 2007 he returned to Sahuaro to coach the freshman football team and help with the wrestling program where he is still helping the young people of today.
His wife is Donna and they have two sons, JP and Jason.