Tom Parker

Tom Parker, a lineman who was selected the Most Valuable Player on the 1967 Tornadoes Football Team, will be inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame this Saturday Night, April 21.    As a starting tackle on the 1966 and 1967 football teams, Parker stood out not only as a skilled and determined player, but also as a strong leader. He was selected Captain of the 1967 squad and soon became recognized as a player with the ability to continue playing football at a major college.     Memphis State University offered Parker a scholarship to attend school and play for the Tiger Football Team. He immediately showed his skills and quickly became a starting guard and linebacker on the 1968 freshman team.

As a sophomore, enjoying his first year of varsity eligibility, Parker not only started, but also was named the Associated Press’s Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week. To further highlight that first year of varsity competition, he also received the 1969 College Centennial Award for his contribution to college football and the unique role he played in carrying forward the games’ century-old tradition of integrity and fair play.

As a senior and a three-year letter winner at Memphis State, Parker was named Permanent Co-Captain and earned All Missouri Valley Conference Honors being named to the first team offense. He also received national post seasons honors, as he was named to the East Squad for the Pasadena Bowl All- Star Game played in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. Highlighting his successful career was an honorable mention selection to the 1972 Associated Press All-American Team.