Tom Vernia coached football at Chillicothe High School from 1929-41. At one time, he was the winningest football coach in CHS history, with a career coaching record of 65 wins, 47 losses, and 9 ties.

Coach Vernia was a native of Wellsville, Ohio, and a 1923 graduate of Wellsville HS. He played football at Muskingum College, and his 1926 team went undefeated with an 8-0 record. He graduated from Muskingum in 1927, and coached 2 years at Sebring McKinley HS before coming to CHS in 1929.

His 1929 CHS team won the South Central Ohio League championship. He coached for 13 years at CHS, setting a tenure record. During his time at CHS:

In 1932, the CHS field was moved from MEACO Park to the present site of Herrnstein Field on Arch Street.

In 1935, the stadium at Herrnstein Field was erected.

In 1937, the first night game was played at Herrnstein Field.

During his coaching tenure, the CHS nickname was changed from The Orangemen to The Vikings, and then to The Cavaliers.

Coach Vernia also coached the CHS track team, winning 5 District Championships, 3 of which were consecutive in 1933-1935.