Tom was a cross country runner on the Joel E. Ferris high school team that won four Washington State titles in a row. He also competed in road racing and triathlons outside of school as well as skiing and mountain biking. In April of 2007, he took a fall on a ski hill resulting in T-9 paraplegia. His sports interests have evolved into mono-skiing, hand cycling, and swimming. After receiving a National Merit Commendation Certificate in high school Tom is attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. He is majoring in Philosophy and is pursuing a second major in politics. Tom plans to go to law school after completing his bachelor’s degree. There is no doubt that Tom will excel at whatever challenge lies ahead.