The late Tom Giovengo laid the groundwork for several Benwood, WV wrestling programs. In 1979, Tom, along with hall-of-famer, Emil Nardone, established the Benwood Bruiser Wrestling Club. At one point, the team consisted of over 70 youth wrestlers. In 1983, the duo started a wrestling program at Bishop Donahue High School. He continued to be an integral part of the Bruisers and Bishop Donahue for many years. He coached many wrestlers, who became State and OVAC placers.

Tom Giovengo, as a sophomore, was a member of the first Union High School wrestling team coached by hall-of-famer, Larry Chambers in 1966. He was a three-year varsity letterman, and as a senior, Tom had a record of 21-3, placing third at the West Virginia State Tournament. During that era, there was only one class in wrestling when true state champions were crowned.

After retiring from coaching, Giovengo continued to volunteer his time for many teams. He could be seen working the tables for teams such as the Bruisers, Bishop Donahue, Little Monarchs, and The Linsly School.

Tom truly used wrestling to teach life lessons. He taught his wrestlers to respect the sport and others, and he led by example. He insisted his wrestlers compete hard, be tough, but never compromise their integrity for wins. He made sure his good wrestlers lost matches with humility and saw to it that less talented wrestlers got a win to build self-esteem. When the tight-knit wrestling community lost Tom Giovengo on March 20, 2018, they lost a friend and an ambassador for the mat sport.

Tom and his devoted wife, Judy, had four sons who wrestled for the Bruisers and Bishop Donahue. All 7 of his grandsons wrestled, as well.