RESOLUTION H OR ON ING BIG TOM WAY
WI 1ERAS, The 6000 block of South Mclvina Avenue in the Clear Ridge Neighborhood ofthe 13"1 Ward is honored as Big Tom Way; and
WHERAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed ofthis special occasion by Alderman Marty Quinn; and
WHERAS, Thomas F. Markham Jr. was bom on the Fourth of July in 1957; fireworks ignited the beginning of a spectacular and influential life. Tom grew up on the Southwest Side of Chicago where he turned to sports not only as a hobby but also as a lifestyle. His family later moved to the town of Cicero. I Ie graduated from Grimes School and received a sports scholarship to attend De LaSalle High School to play football. This gave him a chance to succeed in ways he would not have been able to otherwise. He played wide receiver and tight end; Northern Michigan University recognized his ability and offered him a full scholarship to become a NMU Wildcat alongside his life-long friend, Brian Hickey; and
WHERAS, Markham's love for sports did not end there. As an adult, he played 16-inch softball and was an avid bowler. However;, his biggest sports accomplishment was that of Coach. In the year 2000, Markham began his coaching career at St. Symphorosa Catholic School in the Clearing Neighborhood. He coached basketball, baseball, and football for both of his sons with success. He and his team of coaches led the St. Syms Vikings 3rd Grade Boys' Basketball Team to their first championship in 2000 and then led the St. Syms football team to win the CGSC Junior Varsity Championship in 2003. He ended his Syms coaching career in 2006 but the values and lessons he taught on the court and the field still resonate with his players today. One player remembers him as the "most influential coach he's ever had," encouraging them to never settle, strive to be the best, show swagger, and be proud ofthe work they put in. In his honor, St. Symphorosa offers the "Tom Markham Scholarship" lo an 8"1 grader who excels in spoils; and
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