Tom Hilligoss

Tom Hilligoss was a standout multi-sport student-athlete at Kokomo High School and an IHSAA state champion.

His most recognized achievement was winning the IHSAA shot put state championship with a throw of 56 feet, 11 3/4 inches during his junior year of 1964 while also winning the North Central Conference meet, Kokomo Relays, IHSAA sectional and IHSAA regional. As a senior, he won the NCC, Muncie Relays, sectional and regional championships before finishing fourth at the IHSAA state meet. He was the first two-time state shot put medalist from Howard County.

On the football field, he was a starting offensive and defensive end for the Wildkats, which were ranked No. 2 in the state his senior year. He earned several All-State first team accolades his senior season and played one season at Indiana University on a football scholarship.

Hilligoss also played basketball for Kokomo, where he earned All-North Central Conference third team honors his senior season. During his final two seasons, Hilligoss led the Kats to a 38-15 record.