Terrible Loss of Tom Taraska, a Renowned Football Coach, Died in A Fatal Crash

Tom Taraska, a well-known and respected Arrowhead High School’s Former football coach, passed away on October 15, 2023; he died from severe wounds received in a terrible car accident.

Tom Taraska, a well-known football coach from Wisconsin, left the world after a devastating car accident. An online obituary confirming Taraska’s untimely death on Monday, October 16, 2023, stated that a car accident was the reason for his passing. No further details regarding the collision have not been released on social media.

Arrowhead High School Activities announced his death news through a Facebook post and wrote;

“Tom Taraska, a longtime educator and head football coach, died in an automobile crash Friday afternoon. Tom was a dedicated and successful educator and football coach who strongly supported our school. Those of you who knew him will speak to his exceptional personality. He was a titan in the Wisconsin and national football communities and significantly impacted Arrowhead. We will all miss what he gave to Arrowhead and our neighborhood.”

Taraska’s untimely demise left his family and loved ones in shock and disbelief. Our Thoughts and Condolences go out to his family and community in this tragic time; his funeral and services have not been released yet.

About Tom Taraska

Tom was one of the most successful football coaches in Wisconsin. He began his career in 1975 as a student-athlete at UW-Oshkosh, receiving instruction, mentorship, and inspiration from college coaches.

His impact was so significant that Taraska continued his legacy by regularly maintaining contact with several of them. His career was spurred by his extraordinary leadership abilities and his love of football, making him a source of pride for his community.

Coach Taraska graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree and UW-Whitewater with a master’s. He recently retired from teaching and coaching at AHS and is married to Sue Anne. Prayers for him; Rest in Peace, Coach Taraska.

About Coach Taraska’s Professional Career

With nine State championship game appearances under his name and 47 Division 1 State Football playoff victories, he holds the WIAA Division 1 State Football record for both categories. Tom led the Warhawks to state titles in 1993, 1994, 1996, and 2007. In 2000, 2002, and 2003, he guided the Warhawks to State Runner-Up status.

He received induction to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and the University of the Wisconsin-Oshkosh Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. Tom was also honored in the inaugural year of the Arrowhead Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006 and 2008.

In addition, Arrowhead High School gave the coach’s stadium the honorary name “Taraska Stadium” in 2009. He received the Russ Young Leadership and Achievement Award in 2013 and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011.

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