Buckskin86
Moderator
OSU Assistant, Tom Dunlap
8/24/2009
When opportunity knocked, Tom Dunlap opened the door and introduced himself to a Division I football powerhouse, The Ohio State Buckeyes. The 2009 season will mark Dunlap?s first year as a welcomed addition to the extensive Ohio State football staff. He will be a recruiting and operations assistant.
The transition from being in charge as a head coach to a program assistant has been quite the experience for Dunlap.
?The change has been difficult to not physically coach the game on the practice field,? explained Dunlap. ?People [at work] let you understand that your contribution is important.?
Dunlap and his wife Beth, a native Ohioan, contributed thirty five years to Columbus Beechcroft High School that paid off as teams under his guidance went to the state playoffs 13 times. Becoming regional finalists twice during his time with the Cougars, Dunlap had a career record of 174-70.
Dunlap was named City League Coach of the Year six times. These awards are a testament to the nine Columbus City Championships that Beechcroft accrued during Dunlap?s time with the Cougars.
Awards and honors are a common occurrence in the Dunlap family. With strong military ties in his background, it is fitting that the Buckeyes first opponent of the year is Navy. Dunlap was proud to talk about his father, daughter and son who are all affiliated with the armed forces.
Father Jim Dunlap is a Navy World War II Veteran as well as a Silver Star recipient. Son Ryan Dunlap is employed at Lane Aviation after many years of support at Beechcroft as a ball boy and assistant with sideline control.
Daughter Melissa Dunlap Palmisciano is with the United States Marine Corps assigned to the Judge Advocate General?s office. Son-in-law, Major Matthew Palmisciano, a graduate of the Top Gun flight school in San Diego, Ca, is an F-18 Pilot and has completed three tours of duty in Iraq and the Middle East. Major Palmisciano will also be flying an F-A-18-D Hornet over Ohio Stadium on September 5 along with three other planes in formation.
Along with his strong military connections, Dunlap has ties to the members of the Buckeye family. He coached former Buckeyes Bill Matlock, Paris Long, Jamel Luke, Sir Joe Welch and Antonio Smith. Keeping the best interest of his favorite college team in mind, Dunlap encouraged his players to become Buckeyes.
His exposure to the Buckeye football program has only served to reinforce what he had only previously experienced from the outside. Dunlap is happy to inform prospective players and their coaches that Ohio State is the place to be.
?What people see on the outside of Ohio State, I can testify [that is what] exists on the inside,? Dunlap said. ?I will make sure high school coaches know OSU is the best place for their players to develop as athletes and young men.?
Ohio State Football: OSU Assistant, Tom Dunlap
