ANGOLA, Ind.-- Trine University inducted two new individuals into its Athletic Hall of Fame over the weekend.
This year's inductees are former football All-American Eric Watt and track and field standout Robert D. "Bob" Coates. Watt and Coates were formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University's Touchstone dinner Friday evening, and were introduced on-field at Saturday's football game against Concordia.
Coates was a standout in shot put and discus for a string of successful Tri-State University track and field teams from 1976-80.
Coates earned All-Mid-Central Conference honors three times from 1978-80. A three-time co-captain, Coates was instrumental in leading his teams to four-straight MCC titles. He was a varsity letter-winner for all four conference championship teams. His teams won the NAIA District 21 meet three times.
Coates earned national acclaim in being named to Who's Who Among American College and University Students, one of the nation's oldest and most prominent organizations for recognizing students. He was also named to Outstanding Young Men of America, an annual award given by the United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) organization.
Coates earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1980. Coates is married with four children and works as church consultant for Lifetouch Church Directories and Portraits in Seymour, Indiana.