Tom Stanbro comes from a wrestling family that includes two Upstate New York Chapter Hall of Famers. His mother, Sonja, and father, Jack, were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 for all their contributions to wrestling throughout their careers. Jack was the first president of the Chapter and was a leading coach in Sections XI and IV. During Tom's career as a high school wrestler, he was a multiple Section IV place winner and was the captain of the Wildcats.

Tom started his wrestling career under the tutelage of his father at Johnson City and then proceeded to Oswego State where he was a two-time All-American for Coach Jim Howard. In addition, Tom was a four-time New York State Collegiate place winner and also a four-time SUNYAC place winner as a Laker. His exemplary wrestling career resulted in Tom being inducted into the Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Following graduation from Oswego, Stanbro was selected to be the head coach at Whitney Point Central where he played a large role in the development of some outstanding wrestlers including Kent Maslin, Chris Durdon and Steve Farr. In 1988 Tom moved on to Marathon Central School where he developed Marathon into a respected and feared Division II wrestling school in Section IV. At Marathon he served as the Class "D" chairperson for the section from 1992 to 1994. Stanbro later journeyed to Greene Central School where he worked as a junior varsity coach with Hall of Fame Coach, Tim Jenks. While at Greene, Coach Jenks and Stanbro built Greene into an annual powerhouse of wrestling. Coach Stanbro also dedicated his time to running a youth wrestling program, helping with the directing of different tournaments, and playing a role in various fundraising efforts for the team.

Coach Tim Jenks had this to say about Tom and his role as the assistant wrestling coach: "In 1998 Tom became my varsity coach. It was during this time that Greene wrestling flourished into one of the finest teams in the state. Tom and I worked side-by-side to make sure our wrestlers were prepared. We were able to enjoy 15 years of being ranked as one of the top ten dual meet teams in the state. We won 8 class championships and finished on a number of times as runner-ups. Tom played a large role in this great run."

Greene Superintendent Timothy Calice stated, "I am not sure if any of us can teach and coach with the compassion and enthusiasm he brought to this district during his career. Tom was a go-to person during his time at Greene Central and willing to help anyone that needed him without hesitation." Tom's impact in the classroom and on the wrestling mat was immeasurable."

At Greene, Coach Jenks and Stanbro were involved in the development of seven New York State champions and many New York State place winners. They also had I8 Section IV champions, eight Section IV Class Championship teams, and three Section IV team championships. What a tribute to both coaches for all their remarkable coaching prowess. Additionally. Tom has continued to support wrestling in retirement doing whatever he could. He helps to run a youth wrestling tournament in Greene and has lended a hand and his expertise to Section IV.

Tom is presently living in Greene with his wife Carol, a former Elementary School Principal at Greene.

The Upstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is honored to bestow on Tom Stanbro the Lifetime Service Award. He has carried on the long tradition of his family in their service and dedication to the sport of wrestling on all levels.