Tom Long wrestled since the age of six years old. He grew up dirt poor in the mean streets of Warminster Heights, "Lacey Park." He is a 1984 graduate of William Tennent High School. After high school, Tom then was recruited by Wrestling Hall of Famer Robert Marshall, who has more dual meet wins than Dan Gable, at Delaware Valley College in NCAA's Middle Atlantic Conference.

Tom had a very successful career in the sport before the affects of his disease made him retire in 1988. At that time he could no longer see out of his left eye, his knees were buckling from the weight of him and his opponents, making it increasing hard to stand, and he was having severe strength loss throughout his body. Tom's record and heart never showed the ill affects. Tom did not pass his collegiate wrestling physical in his senior season.

Tom came out of retirement one time to wrestle competitively in 1992. He wrestled a National Champion from Cheyney University at the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association Tournament. In a highly anticipated match that closed down all wrestling on the other seven mats, Tom came up short losing a 5-3 heartbreaker. After Breaking his elbow in the first period, Tom showed his notable determination by finishing the match. After the whistle blew in the third period, ending the match, Tom could not stand. He was helped off the mat by his opponent to a standing ovation. His opponent raised his arm then honored him with a hug. It was a feat of shear heart that drew many tears and cheers from the crowd on hand.

Tom Long was born with a severe disease called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. It is a disease that affects the muscles, joints, and bones in his body. His disease is a degenerating one that affects his whole body, but is most identifiable in his legs and his gaping walk.

When I asked Tom if he had any regrets in wrestling, his answer was this, " I never got to leave my wrestling shoes in the circle. They deserved to be retired properly."

-Jay Housing, Wrestling Monthly May, 1992

Note from HHSM: If you, or a loved one, has Arthrogryposis Congenita Multiplex or are just curious about Tom's wrestling, or his disease, please email us at the contact page. Tom will email you back directly to share.