Tom Neagle, a letter winner in both football and baseball, graduated from Knox in 2004. He was named First Team All-Midwest Conference five times, twice in football and three times in baseball, and Second Team All-Midwest Conference twice—once each in baseball and football.
Former Knox football head coach Andy Gibbons praised Tom’s abilities. “Tom Neagle is the best athlete I have coached in my 18 years at Knox College. Athletically, no one is even close. Tom could do things on the football field that I personally have never seen done before or since. He was simply unbelievable,” said Gibbons.
Tom had 193 receptions for 2,743 yards and 40 touchdowns, the most receptions and touchdowns in Knox history. He ranks first or second in every Knox College career receiving category and ranks in the Top 10 for eight all-time Midwest Conference receiving categories. Tom was named First Team All-Midwest Conference in 2002 and 2003, after achieving Second Team honors in 2001. He led Knox in catches and yards receiving each of his three years.
Tom’s honors also included the John W. Hilding Prize in 2004, the Mike Cross Most Valuable Receiver from 2001-2003, and the 2002 Male Athlete of the Year. “Tom helped lead Knox football to a 6-4 season his junior year after three straight losing seasons. He was not only the best wide receiver at Knox, but also the best wide receiver in the Midwest Conference. Tom’s 40 touchdown catches in 30 games will probably never be broken,” added Gibbons.
Tom also had a great baseball career at Knox. He was named First Team All-Midwest Conference South Division in 2001 after batting .387, First Team All-Midwest Conference South Division in 2002 after batting .350, First Team All Conference again his junior season after batting .385 in league play and driving in 28 runs, and Second Team All-Midwest Conference South Division in 2004.
Tom is first in career home runs at Knox with 22, second with 85 RBIs, second in total bases with 215 and third in both at-bats (375) and runs (88).
The son of Thomas and Sheri Neagle, Tom is employed by Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I am honored to welcome Tom Neagle as a 2010 inductee into the Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame
