If you’ve ever cheered from the stands on a Friday night, you’ve felt the energy that Coach Tom Wilson has spent 20 years building at Dowling Catholic. Whether you’re a student, parent, staff member, or Maroon fan, Coach Wilson’s story is one of commitment, community, and relentless passion for helping young people grow.
The Unexpected Beginning
Coach Wilson never planned on leaving his old job. But a call from a community member, and then one from the school, changed the course of his life. “I was interested but felt they would get someone from a big school,” he remembers. He applied. He stayed. And as he puts it, “the rest is history.” Opportunities to leave came and went, but Wilson’s belief in Dowling, the community, and the chance to root his own family here, kept him home.
Building a Modern Program
Dowling football was respected before Wilson arrived, but he’s helped it evolve. The program now champions multi-sport athletes, year-round training, and accountability. “We believe in multi-sport kids… An accountability system has to be in place to maximize our student-athletes.”
More Than Wins and Losses
While championships make headlines, for Wilson the real victories are personal. “Are we providing an experience that helps our players as they move on to future goals?” For him and his staff, football is an educational tool for life, not just a game.
Leadership and Teamwork: On and Off the Field
Balancing the roles of head football coach and athletic director isn’t a solo effort. Wilson credits his colleagues, past and present, for their support. “I could not do this without them. We also have good coaches at DCHS… Supportive administration has also been instrumental.”
The Joy of Watching Students Grow
For Wilson, the best part of his job is watching student-athletes surprise themselves. Whether as players, leaders, or students. “The goal is really to help them grow. To me that is what is most rewarding.”
Facing Challenges, Together
High school athletics face challenges: financial pressures, unrealistic expectations, and the noise of social media. Wilson keeps it real about scholarships, only 3% of athletes get them, and stresses the importance of hard work and blocking out distractions.
Building Community Spirit
From parent-driven tailgates to themed basketball nights, Wilson believes in building a family around athletics. “People need to realize that all our activities are important and we want them to be successful.”
Supporting Academics
Academics are always a priority, with grade checks, study tables, and tutors. Wilson wants teachers and parents to reach out if a student needs support, saying, “At the end of the day, it is why we are here.”
Parents and Staff: The Foundation
Parent involvement is huge, sometimes even bigger than they realize. Wilson looks for coaches who want to impact kids, not just collect a paycheck. “I want those who want to impact kids through coaching and are willing to put the time and effort in.”
Eyes on the Future
Facility upgrades are in the works, but Wilson’s main goal is to provide an outstanding experience for Dowling’s student-athletes. After 20 years, he’s still motivated by the privilege he feels working at Dowling Catholic: “It was one of the very best in the state of Iowa in the education profession. It still is. That motivates me.”
Coach Wilson’s legacy isn’t just about wins or titles, it’s about the generations of students, families, and staff he’s inspired. Here’s to many more years of Maroon pride.
