Thomas Priester’s name is synonymous with success. Already a member of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, the North East High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Section VI (NY) Athletic Hall of Fame, Priester’s induction into the SRU Ring of Honor is yet another testament to a brilliant career in athletics.
Born in 1939, Tom was a multi-sport athlete at North East High School before coming to Slippery Rock University where he was a four-year member of the men’s soccer team. As a senior in 1961, he received two All-America nominations.
Following his collegiate career, Priester embarked on a storied 45-year coaching tenure at Southwestern High School in Jamestown, New York. Priester coached multiple sports at Southwestern including cross country, track & field, tennis, volleyball and bowling.
He guided the Southwestern boy’s cross country team to Division I championships in 2000, 2001 and 2005. On the girl’s side, Priester led Southwestern to league titles from 1985-87 and again in 1989. He also won sectional championships in 1973 and 2005.
Priester’s overall cross country record was 410-255, not counting invitational meets. He had 28 different runners compete in the state championships including two-time state champion Brian Hull (1973-74). Tom was named the CCAA Boys Cross Country Coach of the Year as well as the All-Western New York Boys Coach of the Year in 2005.
Tom has also distinguished himself as an outstanding track & field official. A USA Track & Field official since 1985, Tom has officiated NCAA Division I, II, and III track & field championship meets and also national and international meets, including the Olympic Trials.
Priester and his wife Susan have two children, Shannon and Dayne, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
