Carmel High School, 1989 – 90
Tom swam for Carmel High School his junior and senior years. At his first championships in 1989, he won the 200-yard freestyle and was runner-up in the 100-yard freestyle. As a senior, he led the Carmel boys team to their first state championship, winning the 200-yard freestyle in state record time, 1:39.06. He was again runner-up in the 100-yard freestyle. Thomas went on to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He obtained his check pilot status at a regional airline at age 24. Thomas was a civil reserve air fleet pilot in 2003 transported military troops to Kuwait during the invasion of Iraq. He continues to fly as a pilot for a major airline. He currently resides in Rockford, Illinois with his wife Kimberly and daughter Ariana.