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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Coach Tom Stockton
Honoring more than 25 years of dedication to Michigan High School Bowling and the countless athletes he inspired.
We are taking time to remember one of the icon’s of High School Bowling…Tom Stockton. We first met Tom in 2003 as we a newly fledgling High School Sport recognized by the MHSAA. Tom was Leader of one the most talented and successful Bowling programs in the State: The Sterling Heights Stevenson Titans.
But Tom was not only centered on his own program, unlike many coaches, who remain only with the success of their own programs, he had a vision, that with others creates a state wide organization that would promote High School Bowling in the State of Michigan. He took a leadership position outside of his own teams.
Tom was one of the charter coaches in the formation of the MHSIBCA, the Michigan High School Interscholastic Bowling Coaches Association. He took the long time position of 1st Vice President. Being in that role he could be a part of building the future of our sport in schools. His goal was to build other programs that would lead to the growth of High School bowling in the state. This would create another avenue for athletes who would never have a chance to represent their school and wear their school colors.
His host center of Sunny Brook and its proprietor Randy Shank were instrumental in 2004 hosting our first Class A, Class B and Class C/D state finals. With our sports growing popularity, we quickly out grew a one center state tournament host.
Tom continued his involvement in our sport by accepting a position, when the MHSAA came calling. The MHSAA needed a ClassA/D1 state regional site and finals tournament manager. Tom continued his involvement in our sport by accepting the post season manager’s position.
He also saw an opportunity to create another avenue for our younger athletes, to spearhead the creation of our JV state Championships. This is one of the very few High School tournaments, recognizing future varsity players and giving them a chance to compete on a state wide level.
We could continue to write a book of Tom’s 25 plus years of service to High School youth, it all comes down to this…Tom’s mark on our sport and the hundreds of athletes he touched gave them a love of a lifetime sport and to us his fellow coaches, a lifetime friend.
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