Bob White

Bob White came to Taylorville High School in 1959 and was immediately asked by legendary coach Jim Lovin to be his line coach. Having grown up in Danville, Illinois, when attend the University of Illinois following his high school graduation in 1948. He was a member of the Fighting Illini Freshman and Junior Varsity football teams in the fall of 1948 and 1949. Following his sophomore year at the U of I, White entered the military, where he spent the next four years.

After completing his military service White returned to the University of Illinois, where he received his degree. Following graduation he became an industrial arts teacher and came to Taylorville High School “for a two or so years” and he’s still here!

As a coach for the Tornadoes, White worked on the fundamentals of “Blocking and Tackling” and helped develop many outstanding linemen, some receiving all-state honors. During the 23 years that he coached, the Tornadoes won 136 games, lost 66 and tied 11.

He retired from coaching in 1981, but continued in the classroom as a drafting teacher and ran the cooperative education program until his retirement in 1994.

Besides coaching, Bob White was also active with the Taylorville Park District, serving as manager of the Manners Park Swimming Pool for many years, took care of the baseball diamonds and directed the high school recreation league basketball program. He began his work at the park in 1962 and ended with his retirement in 1994.

Bob White and his wife Joanie have six children, 3 boys and three girls, seven grand children and one step grandchild. They also invited fourteen foster children into their home during the years he was teaching. They currently live in Taylorville, except when the weather gets cold and then they migrate each year to warmth of Florida.

Bob White had a profound effect on the players he coached, both in developing their skills on the football field, and more importantly, in providing them the guidance to become responsible adults who learned the value of working hard.