Bio

Bob Mears was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1933. His family moved to La Junta, Colorado where he graduated from high school after competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Excelling in athletics, he was named to the All-Conference and All State Teams in football as a senior and junior. Playing basketball, he again earned two years All-Conference honors and one year All-State.

He then enrolled at La Junta Community College from 1951 to 1952, where he earned All- Conference accolades in both football and basketball. At Western State College, Colorado, Bob continued his winning ways. He was All- Conference in the Rocky Mountain Conference in football, basketball, and baseball.

After serving two years in the United States Navy, Bob returned to Western State College graduating in 1959 and then moving to Bakersfield, California where he accepted a job teaching and coaching varsity football.

In 1960 Bob married Sherry Reynolds and they raised four children- Jack, Craig, Lance, and Wendy. That same year Bob negotiated, with the assistance of Frank Gifford of the New York Giants, an $8,500 contract with the Boston Patriots as a quarterback/ strong safety. “I was fortunate to have a cup of coffee with them,” he said.

After his time with the Patriots, Bob coached at several high schools and, in 1970, he was hired at Southwestern College where he coached swimming and football, ultimately coaching football for 15 years. In 1982, Bob was elected Mission Conference Football Coach of the Year when his team posted a 10-1 record. Bob also taught swimming, weight training, and coached the Women’s Softball Team, reflecting his interest, participation and success in multi- sports throughout his high school and college years. In addition to teaching and coaching, Bob co-directed SWC’s Athletic Department.

Bob retired in 1997 from Southwestern College and left his mark on SWC football forever. In 2003 he was honored and elected to the Hall of Fame at his alma mater, Western State College in Colorado. Today Bob and Sherry enjoy their large extended family.