~ Central Wisconsin – Difference makers in sports are all around us. Getting to know coaches, athletic directors, and key figures in amateur sports helps us learn about the individuals shaping athletics and making a difference in schools. Area athletes have been under the microscope with the world-famous interview ‘Pancakes or Waffles?’ and now it’s time to add a different lens to sports in central Wisconsin.
With our OnFocus ‘Baked or Fried?’ interview, we take a look at difference makers in central Wisconsin.
We caught up with legendary SPASH Softball Coach Tom Drohner to learn more about the Stevens Point teacher and coach: Baked or Fried? read on to find out…
OnFocus: What sports did you play in high school?
Drohner: Football Basketball and baseball.
OnFocus: How have you been involved in sports in your adult life?
Drohner: I have coached just about everything that my kids were involved in. I coached football basketball and softball in HS and coached Legion baseball.
OnFocus: How do amateur sports benefit students, parents, and the community?
Drohner: It is the purest form of the sport. You develop so many relationships in sports. Both the players and the parents meet lifelong friends. The community roots hard for their locals and it really brings us all together.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy about your involvement in athletics?
Drohner: I enjoy being around athletes that have the same interests as I do and a really helping young people fall in love with sports in general.
OnFocus: If there could only be one concession food in the world, what would you want it to be?
Drohner: A simple cheeseburger.
OnFocus: What would you do with the money if you won 10 millions dollars in the lottery?
Drohner: I would build an indoor softball complex that we would never have to worry about the Wisconsin weather.
OnFocus: Is there something most people don’t know about you?
Drohner: I absolutely love hunting and being outside in the woods is my favorite thing to do.
OnFocus: What job did you want when you were growing up?
Drohner: I dreamed of being a professional baseball player but since that didn’t work out I got involved in helping young people get better at the game I love most baseball/softball.
OnFocus: What do you most enjoy watching on television?
Drohner: Football and the outdoor channel.
OnFocus: How do amateur sports benefit students, parents, and the community?
Drohner: It is the purest form of the sport. You develop so many relationships in sports. Both the players and the parents meet lifelong friends. The community roots hard for their locals and it really brings us all together.
OnFocus: Who was an influential coach that has made a difference in your life?
Drohner: My college Coach Dennis Conley was my biggest role model. He molded me into who I am today. Tough, caring, funny and demanding.
OnFocus: How do you unwind and enjoy your free time?
Drohner: Spending time with family and friends.
OnFocus: What would be an appropriate Super Hero nickname for you, and what would your powers be?
Drohner: I have nothing.
OnFocus: Who are your favorite athletes?
Drohner: Earl Campbell, Willie Stargell, Brett Favre.
OnFocus: Who is your role model(s)?
Drohner: My biggest role model was my college baseball coach.
OnFocus: Baked or Fried? If you could pick only one, which would it be?
Drohner: Fried for sure!
Have a coach or athlete in mind you would like to nominate for Baked or Fried? or Pancakes or Waffles?
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
