Class of 2008

TOM ARLIS,

Naperville North/Batavia

Tom wrestled for Montini Catholic High School where he served two years as the squad's Captain as well as earning recognition as the MVP. Additionally, he became the school's very first State Medalist (in any sport) by placing 5th at 119 lbs. in 1972. Upon graduation from Montini Tom enrolled at Western Illinois University where he continued his successful wrestling career. As a Leatherneck wrestler, Tom was a three-time National qualifier as well as a two-time
Team Captain and MVP. Hired by IWCOA Hall of Fame Coach Stan Gruszka to the Naperville North staff in 1978, Tom helped to create the foundation for one of the state's premier wrestling programs — highlighted by the team's 2nd place finish in the 1987 IHSA Dual Team Tournament. Tom was also nominated as IWCOA's Assistant Coach-of-the-Year.

Tom assumed the Head Coaching position at Naperville North at the beginning of the 1990-91 season and proceeded to win 24 of 26 dual meets and qualify for the IHSA Dual Team Finals. In the opening round his squad was bested by Waukegan, and was eliminated- but this was just the beginning. The following year Tom's Huskies repeated as State Qualifiers, only this time they defeated Providence in the opening round. In the semi-finals, the Huskies reversed the previous year's result by beating Waukegan. Ultimatey, the Huskies finished as Runners-up. In all, Tom's teams won five DuPage Valley Conference Championships, six IHSA Regional Championships and four IHSA Sectional Championships. He was also nominated as "Coach-of-the-Year" on four separate occasions.

After thirteen seasons as the Husky Head Coach, Tom took his coaching expertise to Batavia High School in 2003-04. At Batavia he had the opportunity to coach both of his sons, Clint and Logan. Tom's teams have won three Suburban Prairie Conference Championships and one IHSA Regional. Not only have Tom's teams done exceptionally well, but also so have the individuals that he has coached. He has coached twelve individual IHSA State Champions, two 2nd place medalists, four 3place medalists, a fourth, a fifth and a sixth place medalists-twenty-one medalists in all. In ane season (2003), Tom produced three undefeated State Champions! Fifty-four individuals coached by Tom Arlis have qualified for the IHSA State Finals - including both of his sons.

Additionally, Tom, early in his career, assisted in the development of a kids program in Lombard known as the "Jr. Rams" today better known as the Villa-Lombard Cougars. Since 1993 he has been actively involved in the Batavia Pinners youth club and currently serves on its Board of Directors.