Remembering Tom Waltman

   Small school districts like the ones I live in and around tend to have someone like Tom Waltman.
   Everett certainly did with Waltman himself, who unexpectedly passed away on Friday at the age of 54. A health and physical education teacher at Everett, Tom also coached for many years, most notably in football.
   I heard about Tom’s passing on Friday afternoon, and after Jeff Maurer’s death on Monday, it’s another person I consider a friend that I won’t get to see once the high school sports season begins, and my heart goes out to Tom’s family and the Everett Area School District.
   I can remember meeting Tom for the first time in Everett’s parking lot in the summer of 2006. I believe it was photo day for the football team as the season was fast approaching. The next time I saw him was probably three weeks or so later at a soccer game, and as I entered the stadium, Tom came up to me and said (12 years ago, so probably not verbatim here) “Hi Ryan, how are you?”
   Honestly, I would have expected just a “ Hi” or “Hey, you’re the new guy at the Gazette, right?”
   I know that seems so trivial to most, but it meant a lot that it seemed so personal from him, and though I can’t remember most things I did an hour ago or a day ago, I’ll think of that time when I think of Tom.
   One other thing about Tom was his interviews. Whether it was a game story, preseason talk, or postseason awards, he was great with information. I’d ask about half a question and he’d start chiming in with his thoughts. And it wasn’t done in a negative way like he was trying to control the interview. I think he was just happy and excited to discuss whatever the topic was. Win or lose, he was always upbeat, had a smile on his face, and had something positive to say.
   Even after he wasn’t the varsity coach anymore, Tom stayed very active around Everett sports. I’d reason that nine times out of ten when I was at a Warriors’ basketball game, or a soccer or volleyball match, there was Tom, sitting in the front row supporting the kids he knew and loved.
   And every chance I had, I would at least say “hello”, because out of the so many great people I met in my decade-plus around this area’s local sports scene, Tom Waltman ranks in the top of my list.
   Like I said with Jeff in my last blog post, I’m saddened that I won’t get to chat with Tom at an event this fall, but I know that my life is better just for knowing him the little bit that I did.