Does anyone know?

**StateChamps92** · April 26th, 2006, 08:48 PM

Since Appy won the State in Football in 1970 and won the Basketball in 71, he would have graduated in 71. I believe that is correct. He was one heck of a player.

Tom and my Dad (the late Gary Summers) played on the perfect 71 team. That was Tom's senior year. But like you said, he is about 53 or 54. Still too soon to lose a man like that. Love Tom or hate him, he was a top notch guy that cared for ALL of him players. From his own son down to the kid that only came out one year and only seen 5 minutes of playing time all season. Tom made a concious effort to give each kid attention and teach them something about football that they could carry into their adult lives. Deb, Travis, Mandy, and Amber, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We experienced this with my dad on New Years, so I understand the pain you feel. Just remember that many thoughts and prayers are en route to you and that Tom touched so many lives in so many ways. I loved him like a family member and will miss him terribly. I took my youngest son to see Tom at the Dawghouse just before he retired. He took us around and showed us pictures of when him and dad played. He was a coach, teacher, mentor, husband, and father. May Tom rest in peace and his life live on though memories. God bless you, Turner family.

**imported_Sportsman** · April 26th, 2006, 08:53 PM

From what I've been told, the visitation for Coach Turner will be held at the Appalachia H.S. gym on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00, with the funeral service at 7:00. Burial will be Saturday at PV Memorial Gardens at 2:00.

**SWVA-Football** · April 27th, 2006, 12:30 AM

Tom and my Dad (the late Gary Summers) played on the perfect 71 team. That was Tom's senior year.

What position did Tom play in football?

Appy must have been pretty awesome in '71.

**StateChamps92** · April 27th, 2006, 09:51 PM

This is to answer Chubz's question. Tom was a TE. He knocked down the goal pole in one game I have heard. Dad told me that against Clintwood, Tom got knocked semiunconciou and kept playing. He took a punt right off of the punters foot for a TD. Appy went undefeated in '71 and remains Appy's only undefeated team.

**SWVA-Football** · April 28th, 2006, 07:43 PM

Ah, I see, thanks very much for that info.

I knew for sure that Travis was QB, but just wasn't very sure about Tom Turner himself...

That knocking down the goal pole part is insane, though! That must have been one heck of a wake-up call! :grin: :grin:

**StateChamps92** · April 29th, 2006, 09:41 AM

When I was a Senior, we were talking after I hurt my shoulder and he was telling me about hurting his. I asked him about the goal pole incident and he showed me a big scar under his chin from it. There is no doubt, Tom is Football. I would love to see a book about him someday, because if anyone deserved such and accolade, it is Tom.

Ah, I see, thanks very much for that info.

I knew for sure that Travis was QB, but just wasn't very sure about Tom Turner himself...

That knocking down the goal pole part is insane, though! That must have been one heck of a wake-up call! :grin: :grin:

April 29th, 2006, 09:46 AM

I think this was the game at Appy. We had seen the old reel film a time or two.
As best i remember Tom's was running a pass route. Caught the ball and his momentum carried him into the goal post. They weren't padded back in the day, from what i remember he said it put a big gash in his chin.
Seems like he said they either stitched him on the sideline or bandaged it. He was back in the next play on defense.
And in the one where he took the ball of the punters foot. That is awesome to see on tape. It looks like something in slow motion yet at real speed. You couldn't of timed it any better.
It looked like the punter held the ball, but you could see his hands dropping, and all you see was, Tom's hand coming in and taking the ball, right off his foot as he was exploding into and through the ball.
Was something to see on film.