RSS Feeds
 |
|
|||||||||||||
News » Breaking News
Article rated a 5
by 1
users |
~ADVERTISING~
Memorabilia sought for Reggie Roby Fitness Center
WATERLOO — This September, East High School will open its new Fitness Center, dedicating it to the memory of an outstanding alumnus, Reggie Roby, who passed away suddenly in 2005. Roby, a 6’4", 250-pound kicker and punter, made headlines at the University of Iowa and in the National Football League. But the legend started in high school.
Before he graduated from East in 1979, he attracted attention on the field at Waterloo’s Sloane Wallace Stadium. During his senior year, Roby was selected as a 1st Team All-American Kicker, as well as a 1st Team All-Stater. According to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, coaches would have the East High Hall of Famer kick toward the south end of the field because of the buildings located north of the field. Roby’s coach, Roger Kittelson, noted to the Courier in February 2005, that if Reggie kicked toward the buildings, most balls would end up on the roof.
Although the Cincinnati Reds drafted him as a pitcher at the end of his career at East High, Roby chose to pursue his football career at the University of Iowa. Roby signed with the Hawks during the legendary Hayden Fry’s first year as head coach, and Fry quickly developed a warm friendship with Roby. When Fry heard of Roby’s death, he told the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier that he kept hoping it wasn’t true. He called Roby a great athlete and a great person who was "the best."
Former Hawkeye assistant coach Dan McCarney recruited Roby to Iowa. He told the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier that he remembers Roby’s kick as an "explosion" rather than the "thud" he was accustomed to hearing. McCarney also noted that during Iowa’s pre-games,
thousands of fans would come just to watch Roby swing, what the Courier termed, his "oak-sized leg."
During his career at Iowa, Roby helped lead his team to a winning season in 1981 and its first Rose Bowl in 23 years. That same year, Iowa gained a share of the Big Ten championship, and Roby set a NCAA record for an average punting distance of 49.8 yards.
In 1983, the Miami Dolphins drafted Roby in the sixth round. He would call Miami home from 1983-1992. Roby spent his last seasons with the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston/Tennessee Oilers, and the San Francisco 49ers. Former Dolphins coach Don Shula has remembered Roby as someone who helped define the kicker/punter position. He noted in a statement released by the Dolphins after Roby’s death, that "every long, high punt" is a reminder of Roby’s incredible strength.
The public is invited to donate memorabilia for the display case dedicated to the life of Reggie Roby. Suggested items include pictures, newspaper clippings, autographs, or similar items of general interest. All items will become property of the Waterloo Schools unless other arrangements are warranted. Donors will be recognized.
Funding for the fitness center began in 2006, with the establishment of the Reggie Roby Memorial Fund, following Roby’s untimely death. Lead by Iowa football great Robert Smith of Waterloo, the Fund was launched to help Roby’s legacy live on by supporting the young people where it all started— at East High School and in Waterloo. "Helping kids was Reggie’s priority—to do it for his hometown’s kids would have made him proud," said Smith, current director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Urban Education.
The fitness center has also received funding through the district’s one cent local option sales tax program, a parent-led effort to fund fitness equipment and a major equipment donation from Nautilus.
For more information on the display case or to make a tax deductible contribution to the Reggie Roby Memorial Fund, contact Michelle Temeyer, 319-433-1842.
Before he graduated from East in 1979, he attracted attention on the field at Waterloo’s Sloane Wallace Stadium. During his senior year, Roby was selected as a 1st Team All-American Kicker, as well as a 1st Team All-Stater. According to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, coaches would have the East High Hall of Famer kick toward the south end of the field because of the buildings located north of the field. Roby’s coach, Roger Kittelson, noted to the Courier in February 2005, that if Reggie kicked toward the buildings, most balls would end up on the roof.
Although the Cincinnati Reds drafted him as a pitcher at the end of his career at East High, Roby chose to pursue his football career at the University of Iowa. Roby signed with the Hawks during the legendary Hayden Fry’s first year as head coach, and Fry quickly developed a warm friendship with Roby. When Fry heard of Roby’s death, he told the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier that he kept hoping it wasn’t true. He called Roby a great athlete and a great person who was "the best."
Former Hawkeye assistant coach Dan McCarney recruited Roby to Iowa. He told the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier that he remembers Roby’s kick as an "explosion" rather than the "thud" he was accustomed to hearing. McCarney also noted that during Iowa’s pre-games,
thousands of fans would come just to watch Roby swing, what the Courier termed, his "oak-sized leg."
During his career at Iowa, Roby helped lead his team to a winning season in 1981 and its first Rose Bowl in 23 years. That same year, Iowa gained a share of the Big Ten championship, and Roby set a NCAA record for an average punting distance of 49.8 yards.
In 1983, the Miami Dolphins drafted Roby in the sixth round. He would call Miami home from 1983-1992. Roby spent his last seasons with the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston/Tennessee Oilers, and the San Francisco 49ers. Former Dolphins coach Don Shula has remembered Roby as someone who helped define the kicker/punter position. He noted in a statement released by the Dolphins after Roby’s death, that "every long, high punt" is a reminder of Roby’s incredible strength.
The public is invited to donate memorabilia for the display case dedicated to the life of Reggie Roby. Suggested items include pictures, newspaper clippings, autographs, or similar items of general interest. All items will become property of the Waterloo Schools unless other arrangements are warranted. Donors will be recognized.
Funding for the fitness center began in 2006, with the establishment of the Reggie Roby Memorial Fund, following Roby’s untimely death. Lead by Iowa football great Robert Smith of Waterloo, the Fund was launched to help Roby’s legacy live on by supporting the young people where it all started— at East High School and in Waterloo. "Helping kids was Reggie’s priority—to do it for his hometown’s kids would have made him proud," said Smith, current director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Urban Education.
The fitness center has also received funding through the district’s one cent local option sales tax program, a parent-led effort to fund fitness equipment and a major equipment donation from Nautilus.
For more information on the display case or to make a tax deductible contribution to the Reggie Roby Memorial Fund, contact Michelle Temeyer, 319-433-1842.
 |
 |
More Stories from News » Breaking News
Liquor store robbed againBarrier-breaking Waterloo educator, cartoonist diesIt’s a girl, and a boy, for BrangelinaNora Springs man killed in accidentMorneau completes HR derby fieldMarmol replaces Wood on NL All-Star teamSlow-moving topical storm nears BermudaCritics say identity theft law not very effectiveLocomotives remain in Mississippi, leaking fuelReligion prevents businessman from accepting SBA flood loan19 businesses warned of violation of smoking banMemorabilia sought for Reggie Roby Fitness Center2 arrested on drug charges in Grundy CountyMagazine's 'satirical' cover stirs controversy
Due to the amount of spam and negative comments received, the Courier implement a registered-user system for participation in the comment portion of our site. In doing so, the Courier reserves the right to ban any user(s) at any time without notice if we feel they are not following the terms of agreement.
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
~ADVERTISEMENT~
NEWS |
SPORTS |
COMMUNITY |
BUSINESS |
ENTERTAINMENT |
FEATURES |
OPINIONS |
OBITUARIES |
CLASSIFIEDS |
PRIVACY POLICY |
CONTACT US |
CARRIER PAGES
|