Tommy Christopher was a graduate of Deshler High School where he played end on the Tiger football team and was a member of the track squad.

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Even though he was a valuable member of the Deshler football program, it was in track that he excelled. As a member of an outstanding track team, he set both Tennessee Valley Conference and State pole vault records. In 1962 Tommy scored 12 of the teams 40 points to win the TVC Championship and 12 of its 29 points to win the State Class A Championship. In addition to the pole vault he placed first and third respectively in the high jump and high hurdles.

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Following his high school career Tommy went on to Auburn where he set an SECC Freshman pole vault record in 1963. He continued to set additional records in the 1964, 1965 and 1966 conference meets. In the 1966 outdoor meet he established a new conference record of 15' 63/4" and was selected to the NCAA All American team.

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Tommy was the first vaulter in the SEC to use the fiberglass ploe and held the Auburn high jump record for 33 years