To the Editor:
I am penning this letter about an individual who has done so much for Poplar Bluff and Poplar Bluff sports it is too hard to fathom his good deeds he has accomplished through the years. The person I am speaking of was recently honored on the front page of the Daily American Republic, having a drive named in his honor, "Tom Hoover Way".
Tom Hoover has had his hands in so many various activities in the many years he has been in Poplar Bluff. He is a walking dictionary of sports. You ask him a question regarding Poplar Bluff sports lore and he more than likely can answer it. He always asks me if I have written any letters this week so apparently he likes to read them.
The last couple of years in particular, I have been doing public address announcing for MULES sports and no matter what the athletic event is, he will usually make an appearance. He currently is the official scorer for Mules Basketball so we sit next to each other quit a bit. I have seen so many scorebooks being taken care of in my past but nothing compared to the one like Tom keeps. It is always very neat and legible. He takes his position seriously as he should when he is the official scorer.
During football season he makes his way up to the pressbox and sits and talks with all who is up there but when the game starts he normally departs because he knows how important our jobs are during a game.
Tom has been a very influential figure at the Westwood Hills Country Club where he was the secretary for many years until recently when he stepped down from his position. One of the area's most prestigious golf tournaments, The Ozark Open, is held annually at the country club and because of his past efforts through the years it recently was renamed after Tom Hoover.
Most people know Tom as Mr. Hoover, since he is a past principal and superintendent of the Poplar Bluff School System.
Tom is one who seems to never show emotions, at least not when I have seen him or been around him. He always seems to have a smile on his face and loves to crack a joke whenever possible. I personally cannot however speak about him when it came to him as a principal or other school related matters as I only attend junior high school in Poplar Bluff.
All in all, Tom Hoover is very deserving of the honor bestowed upon him by naming the entrance drive to the high school after him. As I stated earlier, as one who works around him when it comes to athletic related activities, he is highly thought of by those who know him. It would have been a shame if there would not have been any type of recognition for Tom considering what he means to Poplar Bluff and the community as a whole. I also think it was great he was able to be there for the recognition because most of the times things like this are done posthumously. Plus, I think you can tell by the photo in the paper he appreciated the accolades.
Tom, congrats on your recognition but now no matter when I go to the high school I will have to see your name in lights...stop lights that is.
God Bless you all...
Roger Burton
Poplar Bluff