Watch CBS News

CHSAA & Colorado High School Sports World Mourns Tom Robinson

(CBS4) - The world of high school sports in Colorado is mourning the loss of Tom Robinson, a leader and source of inspiration in the Colorado High School Activities Association. Robinson served as associate commissioner and was the first African American administrator for the organization.

CHSAA announced Robinson lost his battle with "multiple diagnoses."

ref-shortage-5pkg-tran567sfer
CBS4's Kelly Werthmann interviews Tom Robinson, Commissioner and officials liaison for the Colorado High School Athletics Association in 2017 (credit: CBS)

He is highly regarded as an institution for his dedication and work which included making history in assigning a female official to a boys basketball Final Four

A man with deep Colorado roots, he graduated from Regis Jesuit High School and Colorado State University where he played football, basketball and track and field. He was an educator and coach at the same school for more than three decades, CHSAA reports.

Robinson is survived by his wife, Cleo Parker-Robinson, founder and director of Cleo Parker-Robinson Dance, and his son, Malik Robinson, executive director of Cleo Parker-Robinson Dance.

Gov. Jared Polis released this statement on Tuesday evening:

"We join the Denver and Colorado high school sports communities today in mourning the loss of Tom Robinson. Tom was not only the first Black administrator in the history of the Colorado High School Activities Association, but he was also an exceptionally talented athlete, teacher, coach, husband, father and grandfather. Through his own skill and dedicated mentorship, Tom inspired and supported generations of Colorado students and athletes. We will remember Tom as a wonderful leader and friend, and send our thoughts to his loved ones, especially his wife, Cleo Parker Robinson, and son, Malik Robinson."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.