Thomas Martin Sprigler, known as Tom Sprigler, was a dedicated wrestling coach at Laurel High School in Montana who passed away peacefully at the age of 80.
He coached wrestling for 20 years, along with boys’ cross country, assistant football, and assistant track & field.
His teams won multiple conference championships in 1977, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, and 1998.
He was recognized as the MCA Coach of the Year for Class A Wrestling in 1985 and 1998.
Additionally, he founded and coached the Laurel AAU Wrestling Club for 18 years.
Tragically, Sprigler passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Tom Sprigler Had A Diverse Career From Coach To Store Clerk!
Born on October 17, 1944, in Deadwood, South Dakota, Tom was the fifth of six children raised by parents Alfred “Bud” and Lucy Mae.
He grew up along with his siblings in Spearfish, where he excelled in wrestling. As a high school athlete, he secured state championships in 1962 and 1963.
His passion for the sport continued at Black Hills State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1967 and a master’s degree in 1971.
A standout competitor, he claimed four South Dakota Inter-Collegiate wrestling titles. He was also recognized as a four-time NAIA All-American.
His contributions to wrestling earned him inductions into the Hall of Fame of Spearfish High School and Black Hills State University.
He began his coaching career in 1967 when he took on the role of high school wrestling coach in Mobridge, South Dakota, while also teaching art.
Two years later, in 1969, he moved to Laurel, Montana, where he became the head wrestling coach at Laurel High School.
Beyond his coaching career, Tom dedicated 31 years to education in Laurel. He served as principal at Laurel Middle School and later became transportation director for the district.
Even after retiring, Tom continued supporting his community by driving team buses and summer fire crews for the Crow Agency and Lame Deer areas.
Tom Was A Proud Father Of Four Children, All Of Whom Built Careers In Wrestling!
Regarding his marital life, Tom married Carol Johnson, the love of his life. Together, they raised four children.
Later, they moved to Mobridge, South Dakota, where Tom taught high school art and coached wrestling.
Again in 1969, they moved to Laurel, Montana, where Tom accepted a dual role as a junior high art teacher and high school wrestling coach.
All his children, Lisa, Tommy Jr., Mark, and Julianne, were deeply involved in wrestling, whether as competitors or team managers.
In 1974, Tom and Carol established the Laurel AAU Wrestling Club, now known as the Laurel Matburners.
Similarly, his family was honored as Montana’s Knights of Columbus Family of the Year for their contributions to the community.
Now talking about his accolades, his coaching excellence earned him Montana Coach of the Year honors in 1985 and 1998.
Later, he was inducted into the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Laurel High School Hall of Fame in 2019.
As Tom devoted his life to a diverse career, his legacy lives on in the generations he mentored.
He is survived by his beloved wife and their four children and predeceased by his parents and his siblings.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tom Sprigler’s family, friends, and admirers.
Rest In Peace, Legendary One!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tom was actively involved in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
- In the 1990’s he served as a Grand Knight, District Deputy, and State Deputy Knight.
