Tom Kopatich was a five sport standout at Centerville High School, where he graduated in 1971. He attended Indian Hills Community College in 1971-1972, and graduated from Drake University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. His coaching and teaching experience began in Des Moines in 1975, where he taught physical education and health at Holy Trinity Elementary, and served as an assistant coach at Dowling High School. In the fall of 1977, he was hired at LaSalle as coach and business instructor. He was an assistant and head coach in many boys and girls sports, but is recognized primarily as the coach who led the Lancers to two straight state football championships. His inspiration and coaching techniques led the Lancers to the state crown in 1982 with a 10-2 record, and again in 1983, with a perfect 12-0 slate. Overall, in his seven years as Varsity Football Coach, his LaSalle teams had a record of 52-17. He was voted ECIC and Metro Coach of the Year twice. Since leaving LaSalle in 1984, Tom has continued his success in coaching football. At Davenport Assumption, he rebuilt their team into Davenport City Champs, Mississippi 8 Champs, and an lowa Playoff quarterfinalist. Starting at Dubuque Wahlert in 1987, he coached the Golden Eagles to playoff semi-finals in both 1987 and 1988. His team was co-champ of the tough MVC in 1987 and Tom was voted MVC Coach of the year in his first year in the league. He then moved on to work his coaching magic at Ottumwa High School, where he is also the Director of the Alternative High School. Tom and his wife, Ann, have four children, Erica, Corey, Amy, and Tom.