Robert Freeman - 1999 Athlete/Coach

For Bob Freeman it has been a lifelong love affair with Anderson University athletics since his playing days in 1948 as a member of the second football team fielded by the Ravens.

He has been outstanding as a player in basketball, football and track, as a coach in both Anderson’s cross country and track programs and an avid fan/booster. And he is quick to credit faculty and Presidents John Morrison and Robert Reardon for “teaching and leadership that showed me another way of life I always have appreciated.”

A graduate of Indianapolis Tech High School, Freeman earned four letters in both football and basketball at AU, being elected captain of the football team in his senior year. He was All-Conference honorable mention in both sports and participated in two seasons of track, including a school record in the high hurdles.

His post-graduation achievements include three years as Raven head cross country coach, where his runners finished second in the Hoosier College Conference all three seasons.

As a veteran teacher/coach at Anderson High School, he started its swim program in 1963. During a dozen years as swim coach he was twice voted Coach of the Year in the North Central Conference. He won one NCC conference title and three sectional titles while at Anderson High School.

During his 33 years at AHS, Freeman was the head coach in cross country, track and freshman basketball. His cross country team won the state championship in 1959 and his track team the NCC in 1960, including an individual state champion in the 440. He also served as an assistant coach in basketball and football.

Freeman, who earned his Master of Arts degree at Ball State University, was the founder and president of the Dolphin Club for more than 30 years before his death. He was water safety chairman for the American Red Cross in Madison County for 10 years and is a past president of the East Side Community Club.

Anderson University is proud to name Robert Lee Freeman to its Athletic Hall of Fame