Tom Besselman was an outstanding lineman at Holy Cross, playing offensive and defensive tackle. Besselman played in the very first contest between Holy Cross Tigers and deep-seated rival St. Augustine Purple Knights that the Tigers won 29-21 in front of more than 26,000 screaming fans of both teams.  

The lineman was awarded three letterman awards from 1965-1967 while being selected as the co-caption of the 1967 team. Besselman was named All-District in 1966 and 1967 and earned All-State honors in 1967. The Archdiocese of New Orleans tabbed Besselman as one of the best defensive players of the decade for catholic schools "Best of the Sixties." 

Besselman resided on campus at Holy Cross for three years while he participated in the border program. During his senior year, he was selected as Senior Class President for the 1967-68 school year and was a member of Blue Circle and Sodality. 

Upon graduation from Holy Cross, Besselman, due to his hard work and dedication, was granted a full football scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU). He played for LSU from 1968-1971. During his time at LSU, he was a member of the 1970 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship team. In 1971, Besselman played in the Orange Bowl, where the No. 5 LSU Tigers faced the No. 3 Nebraska Cornhuskers who were then champions of the Big 8 Conference in Miami on New Year's night. 

Besselman graduated from LSU with a degree in Business Administration. For the past 47 years of his professional life, he has enjoyed a successful career in the insurance business. He attributes most of the success in his life to the lesson he learned at Holy Cross, which truly change boys into men.