Bob Robbins
Pennsylvania State Sen. Bob Robbins had an illustrious career in wrestling, both as a competitor and a coach.
In high school at Greenville, Robbins was a state champion matman in 1962. He was a two-time District 10 and Section champion.
He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he had a brilliant mat career. He was a two-time NCAA All-American, finishing sixth in 1965 and fifth in 1966 at the National Championships. He also was a University All-American both seasons.
As a freshman, he won the Eastern Wrestling Championships title in 1962.
He also was the United States Army champion and inner-service champ in 1967.
He returned to his hometown to coach wrestling at Greenville High from 1973-77. His teams posted a 44-11 record and he coached three state champs, four regional champs, 10 district titlists and 20 section winners. His Trojans won the Section 2-AA crown twice and he was named section Coach-of-the-Year.
His wrestler Norm Walker was Pennsylvania's first high school matman to reach 100 career victories. Bob served as president of the District 10 Coaches Association from 1976-80.
He also was involved in the Pennsylvania Wrestling Federation, now affiliated with USA Wrestling. He served the Pennsylvania group as president from 1978-84 and was head coach of the state team from 1977-84.
He coached 13 junior national champions. His cadet team (ages 15-16) won the national cadet title in 1978, posting five champions. His Greco-Roman team won the 1983 national crown.
He was named the United States Wrestling Federation Man of the Year in 1983 and was inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1965.
While serving the public as state representative from 1983-90 and as senator since 1990, he still keeps his hand in wrestling by announcing matches and tournaments for WGRP-WEXC, Greenville.
He was a coach and coordinator of wrestling for the 1984 and 85 Keystone State Games. He helped organize the Thiel College Invitational Tournament in 1987 and 88.
As a legislator, Bob worked hard and was successful in removing control of amateur wrestling from the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission.