West Liberty University Athletics

    Tom Fato was an outstanding football and baseball player who earned All-Conference honors in both sports at West Liberty from 1965-69.
    A 4-year football letterman, led Coach Bob Roe's Hilltoppers in rushing for three consecutive seasons from his fullback spot. The 4-time All-WVIAC selection still holds the school record for longest kickoff return with a 105-yard romp against West Virginia Wesleyan.
    Fato also excelled on the baseball diamond where he was a 4-time All-WVIAC selection and the 1968 conference MVP. Fato, who finished with a .309 career batting average, earned NAIA All-America honors as a senior when he led the WVIAC in stolen bases.
    After graduating from West Liberty in 1969, Fato remained in the Ohio Valley as a teacher and coach for more than three decades.