Thomas Isaac Wilkins

So many fond memories of Tom. Here’s one! Shortly after being hired in Campbellsport to coach girls basketball, my wife Barb and I were out with him for a fish fry. She asked him what he did during the summers. (Off season). Do you golf she asked. Well I’ve tried it, but I’m not very good at it. I’m just a basketball junkie! Summers too she asked? He replied, summers, fall, winter and spring! He’s touched so very many lives coaching that sport. His players and fellow coaches all benefited from his enthusiasm and kind heart! Rest In Peace Tom! You’ve earned it. Chris & Barb Schanen, Campbellsport

I had the privilege of getting to know Tom during his coaching days in Campbellsport WI. I was just beginning my coaching at Plymouth High School and even though we were rivals, I was always impressed how well his teams were coached and tried to emulate what his teams did. Tom was a wonderful teacher of the game and truly believed in the power of simplicity and execution in basketball. After Tom left Campbellsport, we would run into each other every year at the WBCA Clinic. I always enjoyed catching up and sharing coaching ideas together. Tom was a wonderful coach, teacher and mentor. Brad Shutter, Plymouth

Tom was a once in a lifetime type of person, and I feel so blessed to have had him as a friend, and mentor. He was such a positive influence on so many young people in his life, and even a few older ones like me. Because of Tom I have done some many things I thought I would never do, experienced things I never thought I'd experience, and met and made friends with so many people I never would have known if it weren't for Tom. He will be greatly missed by many! My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family and dear friends. Scott Carlson

I first met Thomas as a first year teacher in Glidden and he was hired as the principal and head boy's basketball coach. We ended up renting an apartment together for 3 years above the IGA store. We were kind of like the odd couple, neither could cook so mac & cheese became a staple food for us. but had great times on the cross country ski trails. When he moved on I kept in touch as he continued his coaching career. Then I had the opportunity and privilege of hiring as the girl's coach at Campbellsport and enjoyed watching his practices and games there. You could tell he not only loved the game of basketball but he always, in every school he coached at put the student athletes first. I quote, "A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life." Tom was a great coach, mentor for his many assistant coaches, and a wonderful, spiritual person. God Bless him.

So sorry to hear of Coach Wilkins passing. When I was at my first radio job in Park Falls, I remember covering Glidden basketball. I was always impressed by Coach Wilkins and his approach to the game. To all of his former players and to his family and friends, I am truly sorry. Randy McKibben Sarona, WI