Received a call a little bit ago that Tom Monahan passed away yesterday afternoon. Originally from the Tri-Cities, Tom was at Wazzu from 82 thru 86, and then relocated to the NE corner of the US for work where he's been ever since. If you met Tom during your time at Wazzu, you'd likely not forget him -- he was a heavyweight powerlifter, built like a red headed bowling ball, had a huge appetite for life, and there were few things he enjoyed more than Coug athletics (football being the top of the heap). For the past 15 years, Tom has lived Coug football vicariously thru me and my daughter -- swapping texts in the days leading up to games, a couple crowd and scoreboard pics from the games, and then usually a post-game evaluation a day or two later. I'm going to miss that.
And for any Betas out there (at least I think it was the Beta house) I can probably safely put to bed a mystery that may have been plaguing you since '84/85. I can't remember if it was fall or spring, but on his way back from the hill one early evening on a Friday, Tom noticed you had a freshly tapped keg on your back patio and nobody in sight. Tom was thirsty. Very thirsty. He helped himself to a beer off your patio, and when finished and there was still nobody around, decided you weren't giving the beer the attention it deserved, so took it upon himself to move the keg somewhere that it would be more appreciated (our kitchen). Not sure how he did it, but he ran like hell with a full keg under one arm for 4 of the 5 blocks it took to get to our place, thinking at any time he was going to have a pissed off frat in hot pursuit. I was outside in the parking lot and saw him turn the corner into our alley for the last block (at this time he was down to a fast waddle) so finished the final leg for him. I'm pretty sure Tom would want me to tell you "thanks for the beer", apologize for any inconvenience, and let you know that you can rest easy now knowing that the beer was put to good use.) I can only imagine the confused looks that took place on the patio shortly after Tom's departure.
Godspeed to Tom Monahan. Rest in peace buddy. (… and for one last time from Tom, Go Cougs!)
And for any Betas out there (at least I think it was the Beta house) I can probably safely put to bed a mystery that may have been plaguing you since '84/85. I can't remember if it was fall or spring, but on his way back from the hill one early evening on a Friday, Tom noticed you had a freshly tapped keg on your back patio and nobody in sight. Tom was thirsty. Very thirsty. He helped himself to a beer off your patio, and when finished and there was still nobody around, decided you weren't giving the beer the attention it deserved, so took it upon himself to move the keg somewhere that it would be more appreciated (our kitchen). Not sure how he did it, but he ran like hell with a full keg under one arm for 4 of the 5 blocks it took to get to our place, thinking at any time he was going to have a pissed off frat in hot pursuit. I was outside in the parking lot and saw him turn the corner into our alley for the last block (at this time he was down to a fast waddle) so finished the final leg for him. I'm pretty sure Tom would want me to tell you "thanks for the beer", apologize for any inconvenience, and let you know that you can rest easy now knowing that the beer was put to good use.) I can only imagine the confused looks that took place on the patio shortly after Tom's departure.
Godspeed to Tom Monahan. Rest in peace buddy. (… and for one last time from Tom, Go Cougs!)