Ripon College Days

Issue date: 2/24/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Dennis Cotton Worth the honor. Ripon's all-time winningest men's basketball coach, Bob Gillespie, is congratulated by President David Joyce. The court in Wyman Gymnasium was named "Bob Gillespie Court."

Appreciation is something that our society has come to leave in the realm of the implied. So many professions feature "What have you done for me lately" attitudes. The coaching of sports is one of them, but this has never been an issue for Ripon's Bob Gillespie. After three decades of excellence on playing fields and in offices, Ripon College decided it was time to give thanks.

Ripon College's Board of Trustees came to the unanimous decision that the basketball court within the J.M. Storzer Center be named Bob Gillespie Court during halftime on Feb. 13.

Ripon College President David Joyce backed the movement from the start. "I got a call from [former coach] Doc Weiske about it. He had been talking to some alumni and I thought it was appropriate."

In addition to his surreal success in the past three decades with one of the most consistent men's basketball programs in the Midwest, Gillespie has led the Ripon baseball team to great success and also done great work as the college's athletic director.

As Ripon's Head Men's Basketball Coach, Bob Gillespie has amassed 482 career wins. This school record ranks him among the top Division-III coaches of all time.

But for Joyce, the statistics are secondary. "The best testament to any teacher is the success of their students. It's more about how he prepares young men for life. Bob epitomizes the blending of athletics and academics. "

Gillespie had no idea he was to receive such an honor until the night before the ceremony when he was convinced to meet with a few alumni at Miller's Tavern.

"I was complaining the whole way there," said Gillespie. "I told my wife 'I don't like doing these things on nights before games.' I had 100 percent no idea. Then, all of a sudden, I saw all these people."

Athletic Department Secretary Linda Jess was one of the first involved in giving Gillespie this honor and planned the surprise party that night. "Once he knew what was going on, he was very moved," said Jess.

The coach himself doesn't believe that his job is all about winning games or raising trophies. "I do whatever I can to make sure that every athlete at Ripon has the Ripon experience. It's tremendously important and rewarding to know that you're making a difference."

You do every day, Coach. And it is appreciated.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools