Life came full circle for Tommy Wade Wednesday afternoon.
Gathered for the dedication of the Boys & Girls Club of Hopkinsville-Christian County’s newly renovated gymnasium — one now refurbished and named in honor of his parents, Tom and Wanda, thanks to him — he could only see friends and family to his left and right.
Be it his schooling, his playing or his coaching years, everyone sprang from a different formative chapter.
Another close friend came; one tied to his six years with Ray Harper and the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.
There was a deep tie to eastern Kentucky.
And then there was “one of the most important people” in his life: Hopkins County’s Travis Ford.
Of course, the VIP list didn’t stop there. Among the many were his significant other, Murray State alumna Kim Higgins, and Pat Gates, Caldwell County’s state-champion-winning football coach. They were best friends through grade school.
And there were others, including his former Hopkinsville High School basketball coach and a former high school English teacher.
Wade confirmed that not only does he still own his mother and father’s Hopkinsville home, but it was Tom who opted to leave behind his 15-year tenure on the Hopkinsville City Council all those years ago, changing wards so Tommy could transfer back from Christian County High School to Hopkinsville High School in order to finish his career as a Tiger.
Using a piece of the old floor and some designer laminate, Club Executive Director Terrence Davis presented Wade with a mini-replica of the gym’s new design — complete with a black-and-orange tone and everything brand new.
FULL PRESENTATION:
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting
