RIPON, Wis. - Tom Reader '86 is one of eight All-Americans in the 123-year history of Ripon's Men's Basketball program, selected to the Third Team as a senior in 1986. Also a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Reader graduated as the program's all-time leading scorer, and was just 19 shy of the Midwest Conference record at the time. His point total of 1,810 still ranks fifth in the program, and is currently 16th in MWC history, 35 years after his graduation. Reader was inducted into Ripon's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.
"My four short years at Ripon College left an impact that will last a lifetime," Reader said. "Balancing academics and athletics helped develop the mindset that I've used throughout my life, and put a priority on setting personal goals, keeping schedules and being accountable, while also being humble no matter if you win or lose."
During his basketball career, Reader did a lot more winning than losing, leading the Redmen to a 45-24 record during his final three seasons. That culminated at the end of his senior year when he helped his team to an MWC Championship, the first of legendary coach Bob Gillespie's historic career. That advanced Ripon to their third-ever NCAA Tournament appearance where they upset defending Division-III National Champion North Park University 68-65 in the Midwest Region's First Round. In that game, Reader made the first 10 shots he attempted, scoring 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting, to advance Ripon to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. He was subsequently named Most Valuable Player of that Regional Tournament.
"Defeating the defending National Champions in the First Round was a great moment," Reader said. "Coach Gillespie was as excited as the rest of the team, and I remember him running around the court after the game, hugging anyone he could find."
One of only three players in program history to score at least 20 points per game during their entire career, Reader ranks third in school history with a career scoring average of 20.1 ppg. Also one just three players to score at least 500 points in more than one season, Reader accomplished that feat twice. He graduated with Ripon's single game scoring record, posting 48 points against Marian (Wis.) during his junior season, which saw him average 24 points per game.
"Tom's nickname was 'Doc', given to him because of NBA Hall of Famer, 'Doctor J,' Julius Erving," Gillespie said. "He was our human highlight film, and I believe Tom played every second of every game during all four years."
One of the greatest influences on Reader during his career, Gillespie has left a lasting impact that has stayed with him from the last day that Reader walked off the court.
"Coach Gillespie had a personal interest in his players, beyond basketball, asking about our parents, classes, and relationships. He would call my parents to simply see how they were doing and he'd literally meet me at the financial aid office to make sure my paperwork was done correctly," Reader said. "He wore his emotions on his sleeve and wanted to win, but ultimately Coach Gillespie was all about having strong relationships with his players."
Upon graduation, Reader was drafted by the Wisconsin Flyers of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) with the 50th overall pick in the fifth round. He was drafted ahead of the likes of future National Football League and Major League Baseball All-Star Bo Jackson, but Reader ultimately did not play a game professionally.
"I've always kept athletics in perspective, as it's just as important to work hard and be a reliable teammate as it is to apply those traits every day to become a good person and parent," Reader said. "Ripon provided me the great opportunity to be immersed in the fun of basketball for four years, while receiving excellent instruction from professors and coaches alike, all of whom expected accountability, but also kept perspective about what's most important in life. Everything combined to make my college experience more than I could have asked for."
A native of Appleton, Wis. where he attended Xavier High School, Reader went on to work for Greatland Corporation in Green Bay for 19 years, serving as their Director of Marketing. He has worked for J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. in Neenah, Wis. for the last 16 years, currently as their Senior Director of Marketing. Reader and his wife Mary have been married for 35 years and they have three children, Thomas, John, and Michael.
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