Lifetime Service Robert Easter graduated from Peoria Richwoods and went on to secure his degree in 1965 from the University of Illinois. His first coaching position was in the northern part of the state "” Loves Park Harlem (near Rockford), now known as Machesney Park Harlem "” in 1966 as an assistant wrestling coach. In 1967 Bob migrated back to his alma mater, Peoria Richwoods, where he took on the responsibility of the Head Wrestling Coach. He would remain as the Knights' coach through the 1996 season "” and return once again for the 2002 to 2005 seasons. For years Bob Easter served as the pillar of mid-Illinois wrestling. Summer tournaments "” Freestyle and Greco-Roman "” run by Bob and his associates permeated the mid-state area. Look up at most any Freestyle or Greco tournament during this era and you were bound to see one dynamic Bob Easter. Additionally, Bob was extremely active in the volunteer coaching ranks (Is there any other kind?) during the summer. Among some of his Illinois "volunteer" efforts were: "¢ Junior Olympic coach in 1971 "¢ Grade School and High School (State and National) Freestyle Coach "¢ 6-Time Junior National Assistant Freestyle Coach "¢ 6-Time Junior National Assistant Greco-Roman Coach "¢ 3-Time Head Junior National Greco Coach "¢ 1-Time Team Leader Junior National Team "¢ Cultural Exchange Coach on trip to Oregon "¢ Cultural Exchange Coach on trip to Maryland "¢ Freestyle and Greco-Roman Official. 1971 to 2002 His contributions to Illinois wrestling goes beyond his volunteer efforts. As the high school coach at Peoria Richwoods Bob placed five individuals in the IHSA State Individual Tournament "” one of those, Jeff Simons placed sixth as a Junior and captured the school's only individual championship in 1971. Summer wrestling also proved to be just as productive for Bob's wrestlers as he had several State and National placewinners. It is nice to be able to remark that Bob's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Honors and recognition bestowed on Bob are indeed many. Of those of particular note are: "¢ Central Illinois Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year, 1981-82 "¢ Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame Honoree, 1985 "¢ Grand Marshall for the IHSA State Individual Finals, 1995 "¢ Numerous times recognized by the IWCOA as a "Friend of Wrestling"