Bob Blackman

Bio

Bob Blackman was meant to coach. In 1937, at the University of Southern California, Bob was named co-captain of the Trojans freshman team. But before his college varsity career could unfold, Blackman was stricken with polio. After spending four months in a hospital, his playing career had ended. Bob Blackman started coaching immediately. While he was still an undergraduate at USC, Bob was added to the staff as an assistant coach. He graduated cum laude in 1942 and a year later earned his Masters Degree from USC. Blackman's first head coaching job was at the San Diego Naval Academy where he compiled a 9-1 record his first year. After the war he coached at Pasadena City College. In four seasons he posted a 34-5-3 record. His 1951 team (12-0) won the Junior Rose Bowl and National Junior College Championship. He then became coach at Denver University. In 1954, the Pioneers were 9-1 and won their first conference title in 37 years. Dartmouth was the next stop for Blackman in 1955. During 16 years at Dartmouth, the Big Green had a record of 104-37-3 and went undefeated in '62, '65 and 1970. He then went on to Illinois to turn the Illini into a strong Big Ten contender. In 1977, it was back to the Ivy League. This time Cornell. Bob coached Cornell until 1982, when he retired. Blackman was named Coach of the Year by the Walter Camp Foundation in 1970. He was president of the American Football Coaches Association 1974-75. His Dartmouth team won seven Ivy League championships. He won 97 games in the Ivy League, a record. In post-season games he won in the Hula Bowl, American Bowl, Blue-Gray Game, East-West Shrine Game (twice). His record for 30 years was 168-92-7, a .671 percentage. He also was 34-26-3 in junior college coaching.