Bob Nesbit

Bob Nesbit started his wrestling career as a two-year letterman and senior team captain at Collinsville High School in 1974. He competed collegiately for Southeast Missouri State University from 1974 to 1979, earning two varsity letters. Bob began his working career in 1980 as a Physical Education and Health teacher at Holden (MO) High School, continuing in this capacity until 1984. While at Holden, he was the Eagles football defensive coordinator and Head Track Coach. In 1982, Bob began his wrestling coaching career at Central Missouri State University, working as an Assistant Coach. In 1984, Bob moved to Springfield (IL) High School as a Health and Social Studies teacher until his retirement in 2014. Upon arriving at Springfield, he took over the defensive coordinator duties for the Senators and, in 1988, he was named the Head Football Coach, where he remained until 1991. In 1992, Bob began work as an IHSA football official, and in 2011, he worked the 3A IHSA State Finals. Bob also took over the duties of Head Wrestling coach at Springfield in 1984 and remained in that capacity until he retired in 2014. He compiled a solid record of 362 dual meet wins, 15 City Championships and four Conference Titles. In addition, he had 38 IHSA State Qualifiers and coached four state finalists and 11 place winners, including a State Champion. Under Bob's direction, the Senators won regional titles in 1993, 2009, 2013 and 2014 plus a Dual Team sectional title in 1993 to advance to the IHSA Dual Team State Tournament. In 1987, Bob was named USA Wrestling Honorable Mention Coach of the Year. He was also a member of the IHSA Wrestling Advisory Committee. Bob was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 2013. He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene in 2004 and was named State Journal Teacher of the Year in 2007 and 2008. Bob was also responsible for starting a Fellowship of Christen Athletes Huddle in 1996, and he helped sponsor and coordinate the Frosh/Soph State Tournament in Springfield until 2014. Bob is married to his wife Angie, who teaches at Franklin Middle School. They have two children, Jordan and Chelsea.

Awards:

Year
2019
Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Chapter/Region
Illinois

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