STADIUMS

Tommy Oliver Memorial Stadium

Stadium Info

Frank Brown, Vera Shamplain, Mike Gavlak and Tommy Oliver are names synonymous with sporting events in Bay County.

Genie Caruthers niece of Tommy Oliver said, "he grew up here, played Football, Basketball, and Baseball here at Bay High School, came back and coached here."

For relatives of Tommy Oliver, like Genie, the list of Tommy Olivers accolades and accomplishments is well known.

In his high school years at Bay High School Oliver lettered all four years from 1925 to 1928 in Football, Basketball and Baseball.

He went on to become the first county Football player to earn a scholarship to the University of Florida.

After spending one year in Gainesville, Oliver moved back to Panama City before heading up to Catholic University in Washington D.C. where he finished his college years as a Cardinal punter.

In 1934 against Western Maryland, Oliver hit a punt of 84 yards, a school record.

Childhood friend Ellis Fowhand, who was younger than Oliver, said Tommy's athletic dominance was unparallel. "Tommy was very athletic in all phases of sports and of course I respected him for that"

Oliver went on to sign two Professional Football contracts in the 1930's one with the Brooklyn Tigers and the other with the Washington Presidents.

He returned to Bay county in the late 30's where he coached Bay High's Football and Basketball teams from 1939 - 1940.

He joined the military in the 40's. Just before the war ended on June 5th, 1945 Oliver was killed in Okinawa, Japan trying to aid a fellow soldier.

Tommy Oliver's memory and legacy will always be remembered here in Bay County.

(from Mosley Football website)