Bob Campbell, 52, has been Fort Scott High School’s head football coach two different segments of time, from 1992 – 2005 and again 2010 – 2019.
In addition Campbell has been the head boys track coach from 1992 to 2005 and was high school math teacher from 1990 to 2005.
This year, he has retired from coaching.
The community is honoring Campbell by making him the grand marshall of the 2019 Good Ol’ Days Parade, this evening, Friday May 31 at 6 p.m. There are over 70 entries in the parade according to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
The following is an interview with Campbell:
How did you become a coach? And when?
“As I was growing up, sports was always a big part of my life and something I really enjoyed. My friends and I were always playing football, baseball, basketball, or competing in some game. After high school, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play football at Pittsburg State University and be a member of the track team as a javelin thrower. About my junior year in college, I chose to become a math teacher and I knew I wanted to coach as well. During my time at Pittsburg State, I was fortunate to spend time and learn from two outstanding coaches – Dennis Franchione and Jerry Kill. I student taught and coached football at Webb City High School in the fall of 1989 and upon graduating from PSU, I accepted a job as math teacher, assistant football coach, and assistant track coach in Fort Scott.”
What motivated you to coach for 25 years at FSHS?
“One of the factors that led me to Fort Scott in 1990 was my dad’s illness. He had been recently diagnosed with cancer and I thought it would be best if I were closer to home. As I became the head football and track coach in 1992 at age 25, I wanted to stay and build quality programs. I enjoyed the classroom and I always wanted my students to see me as a teacher first. The school district, students, and community were very supportive of me and I loved my job.”
What is the best thing about coaching?
“It’s hard to explain the best thing about coaching, but it would be the relationship and experiences you share with your athletes and coaches. Our success over the years would not have been possible without the outstanding, hard-working athletes we’ve coached and the amazing help I’ve had from assistant coaches over the years. They have been more than assistants. They have been some of my best lifelong friends and I will always cherish the memories we have shared! My goal was always to give our community a program they could be proud of. I grew up in a small town and I realize the impact a program can have on the community. I also need to thank the community and all of the wonderful parents who allowed us to coach their kids. ”
What challenges are there?
“There are challenges at times. Coaching is very time consuming! Most folks see practice and games, but they don’t see the planning of practice schedules, working at the stadium, watching film, coaches meetings on weekends and many other duties that come with the position. I was only able to make it work because of the help from my amazing wife and family. At times, Tami, Mallory and Matt were three more assistants. Every job has challenges, but coaching provided me with countless wonderful memories!”
What are your feelings for being the grand marshall of the Good Ol’ Days Parade on May 31?
“It is humbling! I was shocked when I was asked. It’s an honor that I share with all of our former players and the outstanding assistants who have helped me over the years. As I have said on many occasions, I haven’t made a tackle, thrown a pass, or scored a touchdown ever at Fort Scott. Our success belongs to all of the kids who have worn the Tiger uniform. I want to say ‘Thanks You’ to all of them.
“We’ve also been associated with the Good Ol Days for a long time. One of the duties our football team has helped with over the years is the set up, trash duty and clean up of the Good Ol Days celebration. We started in the early 90’s and have been helping every year since. It was a good way for us to earn money for our program and it provided a service to our community.”
He and his wife, Tami Campbell have a daughter, Mallory Martinez and son-in -law Ryan Martinez, and a son Matt Campbell.
The Uniontown High School graduate of 1985 furthered his education by earning a bachelors of science degree in mathematics from Pittsburg State University in 1990.
Following his retirement in 2005 from teaching, he attained the position of financial advisor and business partner with SEK Financial in 2006 and is still employed there.
