Sad, Sad News
Posted: 09.03.2009
Tom Cook
1943-2009
The gymnastics community mourns the loss of a wonderful friend, mentor and coach, Tom Cook.
On of the true pioneers of Region 8 gymnastics is gone. Tom Cook passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife Stacey Cook and his children Tenise, Taryn, Travis, Sean and Thomas.
A man of great character, Tom led with quiet assurance and strength. Only God knows the many lives he touched and in which he made a difference.
Tom was an outstanding gymnast, competing at Waukegan Township High School and at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 1977 he opened Georgia’s first private gymnastics club, the Atlanta School of Gymnastics.
Tom was one of the coaches of Georgia’s only gymnastic Olympian, Kathy Johnson. In addition, he coached many Elite gymnasts, Junior Olympic National Team members, countless Junior Olympic national qualifiers, as well as regional and state champions. Tom was asked several times just how many gymnasts he had worked with who went on to college on a gymnastics scholarship. Tom would never give a number, but it was well known the number was huge.
Tom was inducted into the Region 8 Hall of Fame in June, 2009.
Tom Cook will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Posted In: Programs
Tom Cook
1943-2009
The gymnastics community mourns the loss of a wonderful friend, mentor and coach, Tom Cook.
On of the true pioneers of Region 8 gymnastics is gone. Tom Cook passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife Stacey Cook and his children Tenise, Taryn, Travis, Sean and Thomas.
A man of great character, Tom led with quiet assurance and strength. Only God knows the many lives he touched and in which he made a difference.
Tom was an outstanding gymnast, competing at Waukegan Township High School and at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 1977 he opened Georgia’s first private gymnastics club, the Atlanta School of Gymnastics.
Tom was one of the coaches of Georgia’s only gymnastic Olympian, Kathy Johnson. In addition, he coached many Elite gymnasts, Junior Olympic National Team members, countless Junior Olympic national qualifiers, as well as regional and state champions. Tom was asked several times just how many gymnasts he had worked with who went on to college on a gymnastics scholarship. Tom would never give a number, but it was well known the number was huge.
Tom was inducted into the Region 8 Hall of Fame in June, 2009.
Tom Cook will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Posted In: Programs