Robert “Bob” Metcalf ’50

Robert “Bob” Metcalf ’50, age 93, passed away April 16, 2020.

Inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001, Bob was a standout on the men’s basketball team from 1946–1950. He graduated from Merrillville High School in 1944, served in the United States Navy for two years, and, after graduating from Valpo, coached at three different Illinois high schools from 1950–1980. During his three-decade prep coaching career, Bob totaled 426 wins and 31 championships. In 1980, he began spending time in China, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Sudan training basketball coaches and players.

Bob was the executive director of the Illinois Coaches Association from 1974–1982 and the president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 1978. After teaching and coaching at Waterman and Glenbard West, he continued his prep basketball coaching career at University High School in Bloomington, Illinois, where he was also the athletic director and golf coach.

During his playing days at Valpo, Bob was an All-American in 1949 and 1950. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a member of East White Oak Bible Church for more than 50 years, serving as the chairman of the board and in many other capacities.