Thomas H. Buffinton

Coach

1952 - 1964

Athletic Director

1958 - 1980

Thomas "Tom" Buffinton served Tabor Academy with uncommon distinction for four decades as teacher, coach, administrator and role model. Coming to Tabor in 1952 from Suffield Academy, Mr. Buffinton served as the defensive coordinator for varsity football, as well as coach of the basketball, baseball and lacrosse junior varsity teams. As Athletic Director for 22 years, from 1958-1980, it was his leadership and stewardship of Tabor athletics that was instrumental in establishing many of the programs and facilities, in particular the Stone Gymnasium, that today's students continue to enjoy.

Mr. Buffinton's understanding of the critical and appropriate role of athletics in an independent school curriculum, in combination with his steadfast commitment to always doing things the "right way," served as the benchmark, not only for Tabor's students and coaches, but also his peer Athletic Directors. Mr. Buffinton served as President of the New England Prep School Athletic Council from 1975-77 and was honored by that organization in 1991 as the recipient of the Council's Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an individual who has contributed significantly to New England Independent School Athletics and Physical Education through enthusiasm, dedication, leadership and vision. A scholar as well as an athlete, he chaired Tabor's History Department, held the Rudolph Weyerhaeuser Driscoll Chair in History from 1981-88 and had his work on imperialism published by Amherst College as a unit of the Amherst Project in American History. Mr. Buffinton was the 1990 recipient of the Trustee Award for Distinguished Service to Tabor.

 

Awards & Achievements:

• 1990 Trustee Award for Distinguished Service
• 1991 NEPSAC Distinguished Service Award