He began his teaching and coaching career as the first-ever head football coach at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio in 1962, building the program from scratch at age 22.
In 1965 the Comets joined the new Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) and he led them to four league titles through the 1970 season.
He was named all-city in football and basketball, was the district champion in the 440-yard run (quarter-mile), and pitched on the baseball team.
Tom coached his brothers Tim and Terry, who were both starting quarterbacks for Mason High School.
Tim later also served a long tenure as head football coach at Mason.