Hall of Fame
Revered by Northern Illinois student-athlete contemporaries as "gentleman" and "quiet leader." Two-sport all-conference honoree and Huskie team captain in post-World War II era. Selected on NIU All-Decade Team (1940s) during football Centennial celebration (1999). Earned "NI" varsity monograms in football (3) and baseball (1). Known as strong, quick pulling guard and outstanding center on gridiron for Hall of Fame head coach George "Chick" Evans. Lettered on NIU's 4-3-2 Refrigerator Bowl squad (1947), plus 5-4-0 (1948) and 6-2-1 (1949) Cardinal and Black elevens. Named team captain and received First-Team All-Interstate Intercollegiate Athletic Conference accolades at center in senior campaign as 5-foot-9, 190-pounder on IIAC runners-up (1949). Starred in Huskie outfield, honored as team captain and Most Valuable Player, plus earned First-Team All-IIAC plaudits on 10-5 Northern Illinois baseball squad under Hall of Fame coach Ralph McKinzie (1949). Shared MVP honors at IIAC Postseason Baseball Tournament in final campaign (1949). "He (Bob) never said much," said NIU football teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Bill Minnihan. "He just gave you 105 percent all the time. They don't come any better. Bob was one guy who you were glad to call a friend." Served as enlisted man in U. S. Army during World War II. Recognized as First-Team All-Big Eight Conference and All-State performer as prep gridder at LaSalle-Peru High School. Utica (IL) product (Deceased).
