Robert Whelan
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Sport:
Football |
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Year
Graduated: 1950 |
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Year
Inducted: 1975 |
Bob Whelan teamed with quarterback Harry Agganis to give
Boston University their best teams in the late '40's. A shifty
halfback, Bob holds the Terrier single-game rushing record
of 240 yards versus Syracuse in 1949. The Lynn native and
Lynn English High School graduate is also second in career
punting average (38.0) behing Agganis.
Whelan Starred under Coach Buff Donelli as a halfback and
defensive back as a sophomore, and earned All-New England
and All-East honors as a junior. He rushed for 711 yards that
year, fourth best in Boston University history, and averaged
a phenomenal 6.8 yards per carry as the Terriers finished
6-2. His nine touchdowns and six points after touchdown gave
him 60 points, third best in Boston University annals.
Bob sustained a leg injury in the first game of his senior
year, but still managed to play in every game. He finished
his career with career records in rushing attempts and yards
(208 for1047).
The leg injury kept Whelan from playing professionally with
the San Francisco 49ers, so he devoted his energies to coaching.
After a few years at Athol and Clinton High Schools, he became
one of the most successful coaches in the state at Natick
High.
He joined the Natick program in 1958 as track coach and football
line coach, and became director of health and physical education
in 1964.
After his track squad won the 1968 state title, Whelan received
the Varsity Club's Harry Cleverly Memorial Award as Boston
University's "Alumni Coach of the Year." In 1974
he took over the head coaching job for the Natick football
team and led his team to a state championship in Division
One.
His son, Timmy, was honored as Tufts University's outstanding
offensive back in 1974, and his stepson Garry was the Terrier's
MVP in 1974 as a linebacker.
