Robert S. Welch, Sr. attended Centralia Junior College,
now Kaskaskia College, from 1953 to 1955 and was a proven leader
for the Blue Devils Basketball team. Robert was one of the
premier rebounders to play for the basketball program. Robert
was All-Conference his freshman and sophomore years. In 1955,
Robert averaged 25 rebounds and over 22 points per game and held a
record of 42 rebounds against the St Louis University freshman
team.
Robert was named to the Converse “Shoe” Company
National Pre-season All-American List, was selected for the
Centralia Invitational Tournament All-Star team, the Central
Illinois College Conference All-Star team and the NJCAA Region II
Tournament All-Star team.
Robert then attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
where as a top notch rebounder, he earned two varsity letters in
basketball. Robert began his professional career as an
administrator in the Flint Public School system in Michigan and set
the example for future generations until his retirement in
1992. Robert is also a Centralia High School Hall of
Fame honoree.
