Following graduation from Loughborough in 1970, Bob attended Western Kentucky University (WKU) in the U.S. He was aware that WKU had previously accepted graduates from Loughborough, including Alan Launder, who became a national athletics coach in Australia, and Stuart Storey, who became an international hurdler, a teacher, and later a television athletics commentator. Bob says:
My degree from Loughborough was instrumental in helping me gain a place at WKU with a teaching assistantship and later graduating 'Summa Cum Laude' (highest distinction).”
On graduating from Western Kentucky, Bob returned to the UK to take up the position of Head of Department in a secondary school. He taught in secondary schools for five years before being appointed to lead athletics at Borough Road College, Isleworth, Middlesex. This role began as a one-year temporary post but became permanent with Bob’s background in basketball and Sociology of Sport from his postgraduate studies. Bob remained there for thirty years.
Bob’s journey at Brunel University London
Brunel University London had a close association with the United States Sports Academy, and several of its students attended the Academy’s MSc course. As part of the programme, students were required to complete work experience at a university to prepare for future careers in higher education. They shared an office with Bob, who supervised them throughout their placements.
The Academy awarded Bob with the Honorary Doctorate in recognition of the contribution he made to the development of master’s students. Bob supervised six students who successfully graduated from the Academy with a master’s degree. The award was a direct acknowledgment of the guidance and support Bob provided.
Bob’s coaching career
In addition to his academic work, Bob was initially the manager of the England under-18 basketball team, which competed in several European Championships. One of the Academy students, Scott Novak, joined the team as an assistant manager. Novak later became manager of the United States rugby team and was named the 2018 Academy Alumnus of the Year. Bob eventually progressed to manage both the England Senior Basketball Team and the Great Britain team that competed in several World University Games.
Bob’s academic work
Bob has had three papers published in The Sports Journal, the official journal of the Academy. His published work includes Sports Development in Botswana, Africa, South African Sport: Conflicts, Negotiations and Struggles and Sport in Cuba: Before and After the ‘Wall’ Came Down.
In 2018, Bob was awarded the British Empire Medal, presented by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, for his services to university and international sport and for his academic contributions to understanding sport in developing countries, as well as the intersections of race, ethnicity, and sport.
Bob said he would offer the following advice to current students or young professionals pursuing a career in the sports industry:
You need to be conscientious in your studies and use all of your athletic talents. Student life is wonderful; make the most of it; study hard to pursue your dream. And take advantage of opportunities available to you during the vacations, such as working on sports schemes for children. Learn another language.”
Bob continues to write for academic and professional journals and has been involved with the County Basketball League in Surrey, which includes organising an annual Inter-County Basketball Competition.
He said:
I travel extensively - mainly to the French Alps to visit family and to speak French. My goal is to visit every 'EasyJet' destination, and to visit Greece more frequently to lecture at their Olympic Academy.”
He continues to attend Loughborough events, such as reunions and the annual international athletics meets. Bob jokes: “not to compete now!”
Congratulations on receiving this recognition, Bob.