Student athletes are held to a high standard when it comes to leadership and being a role model.
They are expected to be the first to volunteer and the hardest worker.
Just as all eyes are on these students, there are just as many on their coaches. They are expected to reiterate the importance of what it means to be a leader and a team player, regardless of the circumstances.
Simply, it’s a hefty responsibility.
Still, it is something to take pride in and Coach Tom Thome, doesn’t take these responsibilities lightly. He cares about his football team just as much as he cares about the community they represent.
Coach Thome is the head football coach of the Rangers at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio. Although he isn’t originally from the area, he’s enjoyed everything he’s seen in the residents so far.
“Everybody here goes out of their way to help each other out and I’m proud to be apart of that.”
Coach Thome was hired as the new football just last year. But he’s taken the position head-on and has already proven to be someone extremely dedicated to his team and community.
His enthusiasm shows. This year during the district’s annual Father’s Walk, he recruited his team to walk the students of those who did not have fathers, or father figures, to their elementary schools.
He knew the sort of exclusion one could feel when watching other children walk with their fathers. Coach Thome has seen it in his own players. Many of which come from single-parent homes. He has also overheard the conversations about having to get home early to look after a younger sibling.
On the day of the walk, the athletes dressed in their game day jerseys and dispersed to various elementary schools in the district. Most went back to the schools they themselves once attended.
Every player made sure that each student had somebody to walk with.
The gesture also gave Coach Thome an opportunity to get to know his players a little more.
“It was neat speaking with teachers who had my players and hearing about how much they have changed since those days.”
This very thoughtful act of kindness gave hope to the youth in the community.
The younger kids were able to meet the upperclassmen and see someone they aspired to be. In turn, the upperclassmen performed a good deed by making the younger kids feel welcome and less alone.
That day, everybody was a part of the team and no one was left behind.
Coach Thome stresses that before he is a coach, he is a teacher. His actions definitely align with his words.
“I want our students to be better people after they go through our program. It’s not about winning and losing, it’s about making successful people for them to go out into the world after they’re done playing.”
Great job, guys! Keep up the great work.
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