Woody had a proven winning strategy that focused on strong defense, a big offensive line, and a great running game. He did not like the passing game and he liked the kicking game even less. Not only did Tom challenge Woody’s perception about kicking, he redefined it by not only being the first soccer style sidewinder kicker in Buckeye history, but the only kicker to ever beat the team up north with only field goals. Tom’s extraordinary story of escaping communism, learning multiple languages, and becoming my teammate is both fascinating and unlikely; it is what the American dream is all about. ‘’