We are proud he is a Lincoln-Way graduate, class of 1982. While at Lincoln-Way Rob was a member of the National Honor Society, All State Honorable Mention for Football in 1981, and All State Track 1981-1982 for shot put. He was named to the National Football Foundation and hall of Fame Scholar Athlete of the Chicago Chapter 1982. Rob also earned the honor of Lincoln-Way High School Athlete of the Year, 1982.

Rob earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois where he majored in physical education and minored in Speech Communication. He earned a 4.08 gpa. While attending the University of Illinois Rob was a four-year varsity letterman in football. He earned a spot on the Academic All Big Ten Team, and was a Fighting Illini Scholar Athlete.

Before coming to Lincoln-Way, Rob was the Occupational Work Adjustment Coordinator for Briggs High School in Columbus Ohio from 1989 to 1992. He was also head football coach for Briggs High School. He guided a 2-8 team to the Division II Regional Finals and set 19-13 record in three years. While he was the Occupational Work Adjustment Coordinator Rob maintained a level of excellence in the Briggs OWA Program by succeeding in his goals of improving math and reading skills, developing employability skills in students, providing a positive employment experience through private employers and school personnel, and improving grades, attendance and behavior. In addition, Rob served as the Assistant Track Coach and developed a state runner-up and state qualifier in shot put and discus.

We welcome Rob’s wife Jaymie here this evening, she is a Knight, class of 1982, their two sons, Michael and Robert and daughter Jessica. Both sons played football for the Lincoln-Way Knights. Michael is a graduate of the class of 2006, and Robert will graduate with the class of 2008. The family resides in Manhattan.

We are here tonight to honor Rob, as he retires from the head coach’s position, and to thank him for his service to our students. He earned the 1997 Chicago Sun-Times Team of the Year, 1997 Lincoln-Way Booster Club Coach of the year and the 2007 Chicago Bears Coach of the Week. Rob earned for Lincoln-Way the first IHSA State Championship in the school’s history. We again congratulate the 1997 Knight football team and their season record of 14-0. Rob we thank you for your dedication, energy, leadership and high standards that you have given to our young people over the past 16 years.