Thomas Carmichael Jr.

1993 USA "HALL OF FAME" INDUCTEE

ATHLETE-RIGHT-HANDED

National Records:

1972 - U.S.Mixed Doubles Champion

1977 - Ken Davidson Award

2001 - USAB Senior Hall of Fame inductee

International Records:

1967, 1970, 1973, & 1975 - Thomas Cup Team

Finalist in four international tournaments:

1968 Canadian Open Mixed Doubles

1972 Canadian Open Men's Doubles

1972 U.S. Open Men's Doubles

1973 U.S. Open Mixed Doubles

Background:

Tom Carmichael, Jr., resides in Clarkston, Michigan. He began playing badminton at age sixteen in a recreational program in Plymouth, Michigan. Coached by Bill Baker for the first several years, he won the Midwest Junior singles title in 1957. His skills improved as he traveled to Canadian tournaments, and he began to attract attention when he started playing in the prestigious New England Open. If you asked Tom what his greatest badminton feat was, he would tell you being a member of the 1967 Thomas Cup team was it. The U.S was playing Japan in Jakarta, Indonesia. President Sukarno had just been deposed, so military men with machine guns were everywhere. Indonesian fans and media treated the Thomas Cup like the U.S. treats the baseball World Series. Every player was treated as a celebrity; banners were flying in the streets; and everyone wanted autographs. The badminton hall was packed with loud spectators. The U.S. team lost to Japan, 7-2, but there were several close matches, and the entire atmosphere of the event was unforgettable. Tom would also tell you his thirty Midwest Open titles won from 1963 to 1989 (a span of 26 years) attest to his sturdiness, determination, and excellent shot-making on the badminton court. This has been another highlight for Tom and an accomplishment of which he is quite proud. Prior to retirement, Tom was the Vice-President of Sales for Toshiba Business Solutions. He still consults in the business equipment field, plays a lot of golf, some badminton, and he pretty much does what his wife Diane says he should do. Tom is one of the few players who ever had a badminton court in his home. He had always had to drive long distances to practice badminton, so when he and his wife were building a new house in 1976, they decided to add a gym. The gym was built in a basement but extended up to the ceiling of the first floor, so that you walked downstairs into this one-court gym. The house was sold in 1999, but Tom still wishes he had the use of that court. Tom has always been willing to help other players and share his knowledge of the game with them. He has coached Bruce Pontow, Kevin Hussey, Mike Adams, sisters Pam Brady and Polly Stockton, Joel Goldstein, Rick Howles (his adopted son), and sons Tommy and Marty. Tom has been married for thirty-nine years to Diane, and they have the three sons, Tommy, Marty, and Ricky. Tommy lives in Lockport, Illinois, is married with two daughters, and works for Bristol Myers. Marty lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is married with one daughter, and is the general manager and golf director at Quail Ridge Country Club. Ricky lives in Lake Orion, Michigan, is married with one daughter, and is the head golf professional at Indianwood Country Club. Tom has also served the USAB as Executive Director from 1982-84. And he served two terms as a Board of Directors member, including President, from 1975-79. There are two interesting facts about Tom of which you may not be aware. Many people do not know that Tom played his best badminton with a significant heart defect which was repaired with open heart surgery in 1978. The other fact is that Tom has "retired" from badminton twice, only to come roaring back hungry to play again in a few years. How does he explain his "retirements?" He says, "I get tired of sitting in school gyms, so I retire, then I forget how boring it was and start playing again, then I retire a second or third time for the same reason. I really come back because I miss seeing my old badminton friends and truly love the game." Thomas Carmichael, Jr., was a dominant player in the Midwest and on the national scene from the 1960's to the 1970's.