Robert J. McBride

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Bobby was born and raised in the East End Section of Wilkes-Barre, graduating from James M. Coughlin High School in 1970. While at Coughlin, Bobby earned All-Scholastic honors in football. He was selected to play in the 1970 East/West UNICO All-Star game. He also lettered two years in baseball. During the last thirty-three years, a “Most Courageous Player Award” has been presented to the Coughlin football player most deserving of said award in Bobby’s honor. In 1970, Bob matriculated to Wilkes University, playing football as defensive back. During the next three years, he aided the team to post an overall record of 13-11-1, including a stellar 6-2 mark in 1971. On November 18, 1972, Bobby led the Colonels on the field for a game against King’s Point. While attempting a tackle from his secondary position he suffered an injury that tragically took his life the following day. The spirit of Bobby lives on at Wilkes. A “Football Wing” at Munson Field house has been named in his honor. Also, in a ceremony held on June 5, 2004, he was inducted posthumously into the Wilkes University Athletics Hall of Fame. Bobby is survived by his parents Bob and Theresa, siblings Joseph and Michael McBride, Theresa Olson and Colleen McBride, all of whom reside in the Wilkes-Barre area.