A few names become immortalized in the history of collegiate athletics and leave a lasting impression on the sport they were so devoted to. Tom Lepper is one of these legends; he was a basketball star whose unmatched skill and strong commitment have earned him a position in Quincy University’s Sports Hall of Fame last Saturday on February 17.

Lepper received his elementary education degree from QU in 1997. Tom, who has lived in Quincy all his life, played four seasons as a star player for the Hawks basketball program, being the leader of the squad from 1995 to 1996. Before Tom became a Hawk he originally committed to Southern Illinois Carbondale (SIUC) before transferring back to Quincy University.

Lepper’s college career was nothing short of legendary. He was a standout player for the Hawks, inspiring his team to reach previously unheard-of heights while displaying an uncommon combination of skill, determination, and outright dominance on the court. He was a dangerous force to be reckoned with under the basket and his ability to manage the game’s tempo.

Tom stats at QU really showed how great he was by averaging 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He also had 1,139 points and 693 rebounds, Tom finished 25th all-time in scoring at QU. He also recorded 131 blocked shots, which is third all-time. He also played with four more QU Hall of Famers. In Tom’s four seasons, the Hawks made two trips to the NCAA DII postseason.

“It was great honor being a part of the Hawk program. Coach Hawkins was a great leader and I met some lifelong friends during my basketball career,” Lepper said.

Although Tom had impressive numbers, his contribution to the team was vital. Tom was always super aggressive, possessing strong offensive abilities as a great force under the basket after getting tough rebounds and putting the ball back up to score. He was tough to guard down low and was always adamant about getting points below the basket. In the middle of the 1990s, he really changed the Quincy Hawk basketball mentality and style of play.

Lepper’s love for basketball still remains as he has been an assistant coach for the Quincy High Blue Devils basketball team. He also went across town to the devil’s rival QND for a year as an assistant girls coach during COVID. He was a big help to the QND girl’s basketball team and the girls loved working with him. He gave the girls a different look on basketball and really was passionate when coaching the girls. Tom now has two children with his wife Sarah. Their son Brennan who is a rising basketball star and a seventh grader at QJHS, and their daughter Jordan who is Junior at QU who is pursuing nursing.

“Tom loves Quincy as much as Quincy loves Tom. Our family is grateful that we could celebrate together and make this special memory. Go Hawks!,” Sarah Lepper said.

With unmatched skill and perseverance, Lepper wowed audiences on the courts of Quincy University, forever changing the sport of basketball at Quincy. Beyond the numbers and awards, Lepper inspires future generations with his example of sportsmanship, perseverance, and collaboration.

“It was such an amazing experience to have all of my family and friends at Quincy University, the place that my parents and now myself call home. There is no one more deserving for this award than my dad, I am forever proud of him,” Jordan Lepper said.