Augustana College is mourning the death of one of its most successful coaches. Bob Reade died over the weekend at the age of 87.
Associate Director of Athletics Dave Wrath says Reade coached Augstana from 1979 to 1994 and compiled a record of 146 wins, just 23 losses, and one tie. He'd been hired from Geneseo High School where he compiled a nearly identical record coaching football.
"I don't think there was a single administrator on our campus that thought we were going to have the kind of success that we ended up having. There was no one, no one would've dreamed of that, I mean, four straight national championships, and the national publicity that we generated, but I think they knew they were getting a good one."
Wrath says that Reade's coaching philosophy was very simple.
"He wanted his players to give him three hours every day. He didn't ask for them to look at film, he didn't ask for them to have meetings beforehand. He didn't ask for them on Sundays. He told them, 'I want your undivided attention during the time that we practice. We're going to teach you everything we can on the field, and then when we're done, you go to the cafeteria, and you go study, and you become a student.'"
Wrath says Reade also focused on the running game and a strong defense, and calls him "demanding and fair." Reade retired from Augstana and coaching in 1995.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Vandemore Funeral Home in Geneseo.