Remembering Tony "TC" Carter

COLFAX — Tony “TC” Carter, born Feb. 27, 1949, former Athletic Director, athletic trainer, football coach, drivers ed. teacher, and teacher at Colfax, passed away on Jan. 14, 2024.

Colfax locals were quick to share their thoughts and feelings on the legacy of TC, and how important he was to the Colfax community.

“Tony was the Athletic Director when I got to Colfax in 1992. He was a history teacher, a pe teacher, athletic director for a long time,” said former Colfax head football coach Mike Morgan.

Morgan took over the athletic director position when TC left, then became Morgan’s assistant football coach.

“What most everybody remembers TC is that he was the athletic trainer and was one of the most knowledgeable guys in athletic training,” said Morgan.

Morgan was also quick to share how ahead of his time TC was as an athletic trainer.

“Tony Carter was doing that 10 years before anyone was doing that,” said Morgan in regards to taking helmets away when suspecting a concussion.

Morgan shared the life of TC as a drivers ed instructor as well.

“Everyone remembers him as the drivers ed instructor, when it was in the schools he taught thousands of kids how to drive,” Morgan said.

“A great big teddy bear.” Huff, puff and grumble a little bit. He loved you to death, only a little bit of a growl, not much of a bite,” said Morgan when asked about TC as a person.

Morgan also shared how TC told Morgan when he started at Colfax that he would fall in love with the town and community, and would want to stay for a long time. Morgan was hesitant when answering how long he would remain in Colfax, “36 years later, Tony knew what he was talking about,” said Morgan.

Morgan, like many others, have a similar favorite memory of TC, his whistle.

“Down at Boise State for football camp, usually the first night we take the boys out to a movie. We went to watch a movie. When done with the movie, we’re trying to gather all our guys. A few can’t find us across the hall. Tony breaks out his whistle, everyone stops, the boys see us and come over. So does a lady, someone comes over and says “Tony Carter, I’d know that whistle anywhere. “ She was a Colfax 1980’s alumni.

“Sad to lose anybody, 74 when he passed, I still think is too young. Tony lived a great life, a grand life. I can’t tell you how many emails, text messages and phone calls I’ve taken in the last three weeks from other towns and schools about Tony

Shows you how great he was, friend or foe,” said Morgan as a final thought of TC.

Another Colfax local who shared his thoughts on TC was Doug Curtis, who was there with TC in 1976 when he applied for teaching and coaching in Kahlotus.

Curtis explained how TC lived in his basement for awhile until he found a place to live.

Curtis also said how he and TC shared an office for 19 years while coaching together, as well as spending time together. They then shared an office when TC took over the athletic directing job from Curtis.

“We spent so much time talking, coaching football. How connected he was to the players. He was part of the glue that kind of kept everyone together. He was a really good anchor for the staff, keeping us all grounded to what was really important,” said Curtis.

“Between teaching, coaching and drivers ed, he probably connected with every kid in school,” said Curtis about the impact TC had on the lives of the Colfax community.

Rhonda Pittman also shared her thoughts on TC.

“Tony came to Colfax to work the year I graduated from Colfax High School. I didn’t get to know him until a few years later when I began my career at Colfax School district. Tony and I worked for the district together for 30 some years. There was no one that helped me more or treated me better than TC. Not only was he a great asset to employees at the school. The kids loved him. Tony made every student feel special… because he loved them all,” said Pittman.

“A week never went by that I didn’t get a thank you from him for all I did. There was never a time when I needed help with any situation that Tony wasn’t right there to help. He touched many, many lives, and left a legacy that we can all hope we leave,” said Pittman.

Hunter Weitze, neighbor to TC growing up, said he and his brother would mow his grass, and progressively their relationship grew throughout the years, and Weitze wishes he could go back to when TC was his teacher.

Casey Jones, Colfax wrestling coach, said that “TC was a pillar of consistency at Colfax High School. He guided area youth to achieve excellence on the field, in the classroom, and behind a steering wheel. We will miss him greatly.”