Robert “Bob” Rowland
Bob Rowland won as many speed boat races as any person of his era, but was well known for his all around athleticism. He was born in South Norfolk, now Chesapeake, and graduated from the College of William & Mary.…
Bobby Ross
Richmond native, Bobby Ross attended Benedictine High School before lettering in three sports at Virginia Military Institute, where he starred in football, basketball and baseball. He started at quarterback and defensive back for two seasons and served as captain of…
Glenn Roberts Sr.
Glenn Roberts revolutionized the game of basketball at Emory & Henry College during the 1930’s. He is credited as the first player to use the present day jump shot, utilizing his 6’4” height and playing skills to shoot while hanging…
Dave Robbins
Dave Robbins, native of North Carolina and a graduate of Catawba College, is the winningest College Basketball Coach in Virginia history. Before becoming a collegiate head coach, he led his team at Thomas Jefferson High School to a Virginia State…
Melvin “Mel” Roach
Although plagued by injuries throughout his career, Roach compiled an impressive record of athletic accomplishments spanning high school, college and professional play. A native of Richmond, he starred in football, baseball and basketball at John Marshall High School. From 1947-51,…
Melissa Belote Ripley
Ripley was born on October 16, 1956 in Washington D.C. and grew up in Springfield, Virginia. She has been called one of America’s greatest swimmers. Ripley first appeared on the national swimming scene at the age of 12 when she…
Paul Washington Rice
Paul Rice of Roanoke, Virginia graduated from Roanoke College in 1939 where he played basketball and was a member of the “Five Smart Boys” that assisted the team in winning consecutive state titles in the late 1930’s. Playing in the…
Bob Rathbun
Bob Rathbun was born in Wakefield, Rhode Island, and graduated from Catawba College in 1976. Rathbun began his career at WSTP radio in Salisbury, North Carolina, and then did baseball broadcast work for several teams, including two Virginia minor-league baseball…
Victor “Vic” Raschi
Vic Raschi, one of baseball’s all-time great pitchers with the New York Yankees, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He is remembered by many as the “Springfield Rifle” and by countless thousands of others as one of the top clutch pitchers…
Ulmo S. “Sonny” Randle
Sonny Randle distinguished himself in the football world as a standout athlete, a dedicated coach, and a spirited color commentator. A native of Fork Union, Virginia, Randle proved himself an all-around athlete by making the All-State football and basketball teams…