Tom Parac Remembered as Bobcat Athletics Legend
10/16/2024 12:37:00 PM | Football
Three-sport Bobcat star remained involved at MSU throughout his life
The life of Bobcat legend Tom Parac, a multi-sport Bobcat athlete who served as head football coach and then Director of Athletics at his alma mater, was celebrated in September in Bozeman.
Parac passed away in December 2023 in Bozeman at 91. The Lewistown native starred at Fergus High, graduating in 1950, and came to Montana State to play football for the Bobcats. After four seasons starring in football a versatile player, primarily at quarterback, and also in basketball and baseball, he graduated in the spring of 1954 with a physical education degree. After two years of honorable service in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, he returned to Montana State as the program's freshman coach in 1957 and backfield coach in 1958. He did not leave Bobcat Athletics until retiring as director of athletics in 1985.
Parac served as an assistant coach through one of Montana State football's most successful periods, with the program transitioning from its time as an independent (1957-62) to the Big Sky Conference as a charter member in 1963. The Cats won Big Sky Championships in 1964 and 1966 and 1967, and when head coach Jim Sweeney departed after the latter season Parac was elevated to head coach. He led MSU to a Big Sky Championship in 1968. In 1970 Parac assumed Director of Athletics duties, and following that season resigned from that position and hired Sonny Holland to lead the football program. During his time as Director of Athletics he led the football team from Gatton Field into new Reno H. Sales Stadium, and among his many successful coaching hires was Stu Starner in men's basketball and Rob Stark in men's track and field. After his retirement he and his wife Artie remained in Bozeman.
Parac will forever be remembered as one of the major shapers of Bobcat Athletics, and as someone who loved Montana State University. He remained active as a Bobcat supporter throughout his life.
Parac passed away in December 2023 in Bozeman at 91. The Lewistown native starred at Fergus High, graduating in 1950, and came to Montana State to play football for the Bobcats. After four seasons starring in football a versatile player, primarily at quarterback, and also in basketball and baseball, he graduated in the spring of 1954 with a physical education degree. After two years of honorable service in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, he returned to Montana State as the program's freshman coach in 1957 and backfield coach in 1958. He did not leave Bobcat Athletics until retiring as director of athletics in 1985.
Parac served as an assistant coach through one of Montana State football's most successful periods, with the program transitioning from its time as an independent (1957-62) to the Big Sky Conference as a charter member in 1963. The Cats won Big Sky Championships in 1964 and 1966 and 1967, and when head coach Jim Sweeney departed after the latter season Parac was elevated to head coach. He led MSU to a Big Sky Championship in 1968. In 1970 Parac assumed Director of Athletics duties, and following that season resigned from that position and hired Sonny Holland to lead the football program. During his time as Director of Athletics he led the football team from Gatton Field into new Reno H. Sales Stadium, and among his many successful coaching hires was Stu Starner in men's basketball and Rob Stark in men's track and field. After his retirement he and his wife Artie remained in Bozeman.
Parac will forever be remembered as one of the major shapers of Bobcat Athletics, and as someone who loved Montana State University. He remained active as a Bobcat supporter throughout his life.
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