This GoFundMe is developed by the former athletes and assistant-coaches of Coach Tom Hengel who want to take the devastating tragedy of losing both Tom and Lisa and turn it into something good. We know that is what they would both want. As we grieve, there has been an immense desire by the community to do something to show our enormous appreciation for the 40+ years Coach Tom Hengel gave to all of us. Even after he “retired” from coaching, he kept giving through volunteer coaching. This GoFundMe is developed to support the Tom and Lisa Hengel Memorial Scholarship Fund which will support student-athletes.
Coach taught all of us valuable life lessons. He was our role model, living and breathing discipline. Never wavering, Coach was committed to his family, his athletes, and his community. Coach demanded excellence on the cross-country course and on the track as he taught us to push ourselves harder than we believed we could go. He did this to help us build a mentally strong foundation to support us through life. No excuses. No shortcuts. Coach taught us perseverance to overcome challenges. He did this through his creative coaching methods of extra conditioning (let’s go to the hill!) to ensure he drilled into us the importance of personal accountability, mental toughness and self-discipline. We will all remember his many quotes. “There is no slack on Hengel’s track!”, “get comfortable being uncomfortable”, “you want to get better, don’t you?” and for many of us our favorite “everyday is a great running day!” Coach built us for more than miles. He built us for life.
Coach gave generously to all of us. He gave not only his time (which we all realize now was the most valuable gift we each received from him), he also gave each of us lifelong memories through the many photos, plaques, trophies, and even rings which he purchased with his own money to ensure we felt recognized for our accomplishments. He gave through mentoring other coaches. He gave through his commitment to excellence which included how he coached and supported all of us. This GoFundMe is to give back. It is to give back for all he gave to us. We know Coach and Lisa impacted the lives of many. This is to give our community an opportunity to say “thank you”. Thank you for the selfless, dedicated, humble lives they lived and gave to us.
Coach you will live on in each of us. We will pass on your life lessons learned to our spouses, children, and community. Every donation to this Memorial Scholarship Fund is to say thank you. Rest easy Coach. And tell Lisa thank you for her unwavering support for your passion to coach all of us.
The Tom and Lisa Hengel Memorial Scholarship Fund will honor the lives of both Tom and Lisa who both attended Clearview Regional High School. The scholarship fund will support students at Clearview Regional High School.