09/02/2026
We are sad to report the passing of legendary Hobart coach Tom Kerr. Obituary information will be published when it is available.
Here is Paul Condry’s tribute:
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Today I received the news that my dear friend, mentor, and coach, Tom Kerr, went to be with Jesus. I will write a bit more later about his professional accolades, but for now- I wanted to share a letter that I wrote to TK in 2007. I am overwhelmed with memories and emotions. Rest In Peace, Coach! I love you!
Dear Tom:
As I reflect on my life and the hundreds of Friday nights I've spent around high school football, I can not help but think about the time my Dad took me to my first Brickie football game. Dad would say, "Let's go watch the Brickies play," and when you live just two doors down from my house at 314 North Delaware Street, he would say, "Let's go see Tom’s Brickies play." Friday nights and football, It’s all I have ever known.
Mom and Dad would always tell me- when you grow up, I want you to grow and be a good man like Tom Kerr.” I remember when you lived on North Delaware Street, and how you always took the time to talk to me and encourage me. I needed it! A lot of things were happening in my life, and it always seemed that just when I needed a “pat on the back” in the neighborhood, you were there to provide it! I know now that GOD was working through you to provide me with what I needed at a very important time in my life.
When I was coaching at Hobart Middle School, it was the same thing. I would see you at the varsity games, or if I was at a football game working the sideline as a member of the athletic staff, you would always stop and take the time to talk and encourage me. I remember when you introduced my undefeated basketball team at halftime of the varsity game and the enthusiastic tone- that you shouted out- “Here he is the head coach of the undefeated Brickies- Randy Condry!” We all knew even back then that class was pretty special- it was the 1987 class- the first of the FOUR state championship teams.
You were NEVER too busy to stop, visit, and shake my hand. Never were you anything but positive.
As I reflect on the doors GOD has opened for me in the game of football and the chances that have been shown me, there are people at the core of it all who paved the way, and you are one of them. GOD has elevated me to a position of great influence within the game of Indiana high school football over the past few years- why? I don’t know? Maybe it’s to share my faith in Christ and my love for football. Whatever the reason, GOD has a plan. HE had a plan from the beginning- to have TOM KERR set an example for me!
Coach Kerr, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all the times you spent with the “little kid” living at 314 North Delaware Street, or the young coach who needed some time to talk.
You told me on several occasions, “how proud you are of me and what you have accomplished” - WOW -you have no idea what that has meant to me. When your role model- your hero- the person you always wanted to be like- tells you that they are proud of you, it is the greatest thing you could ever hear from anybody.
I, for one, am looking forward to tonight’s game as Tom Kerr’s Brickies battle the 59ers –It should be another epic battle of great student athletes and coaches. But for Paul R. Condry, it's another chance to watch my hero do what he does better than anyone else I have ever seen, and that is coach the game of football and make a difference in the lives of dozens of boys on and off the field.
TK- Thanks for the memories, support, and as I have told you for years- thanks for the LOVE- Your greatest fan! I love ya, coach! God Bless…
Paul R. Condry
President/Founder
Regional Radio Sports Network, LLC
The Indiana Football Digest
