CLARION, Pa. – On April 26, the Clarion University Sports Hall of Fame will induct former football player Robert “Bob” Betts.
(Photo courtesy of Clarion University Athletics)
Betts, a 1982 Clarion graduate with a degree in Business (Marketing) was one of the most talented wide receivers to ever wear the Blue and Gold.
Playing for the Golden Eagles from 1977-1981 under Hall of Fame coach Al Jacks, Betts finished his career ranked second in school history with 108 catches for 1,619 yards (third all-time) and 10 touchdowns.
In 1981, his senior year, he caught 49 passes for 674 yards (third in a single season) and five touchdowns. He was an Associated Press All-American Honorable Mention, First Team ECAC, PSAC West, NAIA District 18 and Pittsburgh Press honoree as Clarion went 6-4 overall and 3-3 in the PSAC West.
In 1980, Clarion finished 9-2 overall (5-1 PSAC West) and won the Lambert Cup as the ECAC Team of the Year in NCAA Division II, and also captured the PSAC and PSAC West titles. Betts led the team with 37 catches for 498 yards and three touchdowns. Clarion defeated Kutztown 15-14 in the PSAC title game at Memorial Stadium. Betts was named Associated Press All-American Honorable Mention as well as First Team ECAC, PSAC West, District 18 and Pittsburgh Press.
In 1979 Clarion was 9-1 overall and 5-1 in the PSAC West with Betts grabbing 19 passes for 367 yards and two touchdowns. A receiver as a true freshman and the starting punter, Betts helped lead the Golden Eagles to an 8-3 overall record, the PSAC West crown with a 5-1 mark and a runner-up finish in the PSAC title game.
In addition to playing at wide receiver, Betts was the Golden Eagles punter all four years earning PSAC West honors in 1978 and District 18 recognition in 1979.
A 1978 graduate of Gateway High School, he is Territory Manager for Under Armour. Bob and wife Paulette reside in Murrysville with their children Brandon, Francesca and Nolan.
The 31st annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies will be held at the Gemmell Center Multi-Purpose Room, located at the corner of Payne Street and Wilson Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public. A social is set for 5:30 p.m. in the Second Floor Rotunda at the Gemmell Center.
Ticket orders are being handled by Shawna Bish at the Alumni Engagement Office, 100 Seifert Mooney Center at Clarion University. Tickets are $40.00 per person and are available online at www.clarion.edu/shof, or by contacting Bish at 814-393-2572. Checks should be made payable to Clarion “Sports Hall of Fame”. Ticket order forms and induction information are also available at www.clariongoldeneagles.com.
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