Born: March 22, 1977 Columbus, Ohio

Elementary School: Ages 6-14, St. Andrew’s

High School: Ages 15-18, Bishop Watterson

College: Ages 19-22, The Ohio State University

A native of Columbus, Ohio, in high school Tom was a two-time All-State, and Blue-Chip All-American catcher at Bishop Watterson. Following high school, Tom chose to follow in the footsteps of his father and brother and attend The Ohio State University. Tom’s father John was a pitcher for the Buckeyes from 1963-1965. In 1965, John defeated #1 nationally ranked Arizona State in route to a runner-up finish at the College World Series in Omaha. Tom’s brother Mike was an All-American catcher and first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins in 1991.

While at Ohio State, Tom collected first-team All-Big Ten and All-Region honors. In addition to his time behind the plate for the Buckeyes, Durant spent his college summers playing in the Cape Cod Summer Collegiate League. In 1997, Tom was a part of the League Champion Wareham Gatemen. His teammates included future Major Leaguers Barry Zito, Carlos Pena, Jerry Hairston and Brian Tallet.

Following his playing career, Tom worked as a Certified Strength Specialist for his brother Mike’s Columbus-based athletic development organization Peak Athletic. Under Tom and Mike’s supervision, during the company’s first three years, over 180 athletes earned college athletic scholarships.

In 2003, Tom accepted the Assistant Baseball Coaching position at the Division III powerhouse Ohio Wesleyan University. After two years as the team’s catching and hitting coach, and directing OWU’s recruiting efforts, Durant was offered the positions of Head Baseball Coach and Head Strength and Coordinator.

In his two years at the helm of the OWU program, Durant’s teams earned successive division crowns. In 2003, the team won the conference championship, defeating #1 nationally ranked Wooster College to earn an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. That season, Durant’s crew advanced as far as any Ohio Wesleyan team in history, falling in the final game of the regional championship to defending National Champion Marietta College. While coaching at Ohio Wesleyan, Tom also returned to the Cape Cod Summer Collegiate League as an assistant coach for the Wareham Gatemen.

In 2007, Durant resigned as Head Baseball Coach and Head Strength and Conditioning Coordinator at Ohio Wesleyan, moved to Kansas City and founded 365 Strength – a company committed to assisting high school athletes development and pursuit of their collegiate and professional dreams.

Tom’s background as a collegiate player, coach and athletic development professional brings a new and exciting perspective to MSA. Utilizing 365 Strength, MSA athletes will now have access to personalized development programs designed to help athletes exceed their Overall Future Potential (OFP) and raise their stock!