Tom Amberry a 1940 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School served in the United States Navy during World War II, participating in the D-Day invasion at Normandy and in the Pacific theater fighting the Japanese Army.   At the end of the war, Amberry returned to California, attending Long Beach City College and the California School of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco, graduating with a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1951.  Dr. Amberry received the 1st Podiatry Clinic License in the State of California and served on the Board of Trustees of California College of Podiatric Medicine from 1960 – 1980.  Dr. Amberry was a national lecturer and author of several journals on podiatric surgery, and in 1960 received a gold medal from the New York Hall of Science for his role in “Time in Motion in Foot Surgery” a short film that revolutionized podiatric surgery. 

Nearing the end of his career as a podiatric surgeon, Dr. Amberry, a high school basketball player, began shooting free throws as a hobby during his spare time.  At the age of 71, Dr. Amberry set the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive free throws made by sinking 2,750 in a row over a 12 hour time period.  Dr. Amberry went on to win the World Championship of Free Throw Shooting in 1994 and has made several television appearances including David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.  Dr. Amberry has provided free throw consulting services for over 200 college basketball programs and served as a special assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls from 2002-2004. In 1996, he co-authored the book Free Throw: 7 Steps to Success at the Free Throw Line.  Dr. Amberry has taught free throw shooting mechanics in all 50 states, 104 countries, and 5 continents.