Hoch, Tom

Tom Hoch

Coach Tom Hoch’s legacy is nothing short of legendary. His 27-year tenure at Clearview High School, spanning from 1970 to 1997, is marked as a period of unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Clearview High School’s football program soared to unparalleled heights. He and his
team captured two Lakeland Conference Championships in ’79 and ’80 despite competing against schools much larger in size. Together they went on to obtain seven Lorain County Conference Championships, a testament to his coaching abilities in a conference where CHS was often one
of the smallest schools participating in the games.

Tom earned nine “Coach of the Year” awards, each in recognition of his outstanding coaching skills as voted on and awarded by his fellow coaches in different conference leagues. His record as the “Winningest Clearview High School Football Coach” with an impressive 142-50-3, underlines his consistency and excellence on the  field. Coach Hoch led the Clearview football team to an astounding 10 Ohio Playoff appearances, including a State
Runner-up finish in 1978.

In 1986, he had the honor of coaching in the State of Ohio’s North-South All-Star game. For 15 years, from 1982 to 1997, Tom Hoch served as the Co-Game Director for the Lorain County All-Star Game, showcasing his commitment to the local sports community. In 1998, he was honored with his induction into the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

His exceptional career garnered recognition from Findlay College where he received the F.J. Egner Coaching Award for distinguished high school coaching success. Tom Hoch’s influence extended far beyond Clearview, as he assumed leadership roles including being the President of the State-wide Ohio H.S. Football Coaches Association, the past President of the Lorain County Football Coaches Association, and the Region Four Director of the Ohio H.S. Football Coaches Association.

Tom Hoch was more than a coach; he was a dedicated teacher and served as the Athletic Director at Clearview High School for many years. His commitment to education and character-building in young athletes was unwavering. For many of his players, he was a father figure, guiding them not just in the game but in life.

Tragically, Tom Hoch’s coaching career was cut short on a fateful night in 1997. While his 20th team was poised for success in the football season, he suffered a heart attack at halftime during the season opener against Cleveland East Tech. His untimely demise marked a profound loss for Clearview High School, the local community, and our world of sports. To the Clearview Family, there was more to Tom Hoch than just a being coach; he was a beacon of pride.

Fittingly, on Father’s Day, June 20th, 1998, Dorie Hoch and sons Brian, Aaron, and Andrew accepted a declaration from the members of the Clearview Board of Education and the entire Clearview “Family”, officially dedicating the football complex in his honor as the “Tom Hoch Field.” A place where Clippers gather to celebrate, support, and create lasting memories.