Published: October 04, 2008 09:19 pm      

Gresham takes his place with WVU greats

MORGANTOWN — Bob Gresham didn’t think he was Hall of Fame material. West Virginia University begged to differ.

Forty-six years after his graduation from West Virginia in 1972, Gresham’s likeness became a permanent fixture on Saturday when he was one of six athletes and coaches to be inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame.

Gresham took part in an induction ceremony prior to West Virginia’s football game with Rutgers. His son, Robert, Jr., introduced his father after former Mountaineers’ head coach Jim Carlen was unable to attend because of an illness in his family.

“It’s a very special occasion, it’s very special for me,” Gresham said. “I just wish that my mom was here to celebrate it with me.

“She was the reason that I went to the University, but it’s just been a tremendous honor to come back to my home state and receive this award.”

Gresham, a former star at Big Creek High School in War, played running back at West Virginia from 1968-70. Among his accomplishments were the 1,155 yards he ran for in 1969, a team record that stood for 24 years.

Still, Gresham never gave much thought to this type of honor. His backfield mate for much of those years, Jim Braxton, died before he could experience his induction in 1993.

“I didn’t think about it because of the fact that I didn’t see myself in that light,” said Gresham, who has lived in Charlotte, N.C. since 1977. “If it did happen … Braxton had passed when it was his, but it was early.

“I just didn’t think I was in that category to be honest with you. I am very appreciative and I really thank them for selecting me.”

Gresham, who played six seasons in the NFL with three different teams, is part of WVU’s 18th class of inductees, which now includes 112 of the school’s greatest athletes, coaches and athletics administrators.

“I try to get up here once a year,” said Gresham, who was born in Porter, Ala., but relocated to Yukon in McDowell County as a child. “I missed last year, so I was coming up here anyhow, but this was a special occasion and I am so glad that it turned out this way.”

Earning any type of award or playing in the NFL was never part of Gresham’s plan when he left War for Morgantown. All he wanted was his degree. He got that, and much more.

“I was just glad to get the opportunity to come to West Virginia and receive a degree so I could make my life a little better,” said Gresham, who helped the ‘Eers to a 25-7 record and the 1969 Peach Bowl title during his three seasons on Mountaineer Field.

“That was my main purpose, and the football aspect of it just adds something to it.”

During a three-year tenure at West Virginia, Gresham rambled for a then-school record 2,181 yards, along with 18 touchdowns. He also had nine 100-yard games, including 173 yards in a win over Richmond in ’69. He added 30 catches for 340 yards and three more scores, and also contributed on special teams by returning kicks and punts.

His name still dots the West Virginia media guide. He’s ranked 10th on the school’s all-time career rushing and touchdown list.

“I call this home,” Gresham said. “All my friends and my teammates and my high school teammates and everybody is here. I still feel like I never left here.”

Gresham had a solid NFL career, playing in 75 games with the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers and New York Jets. An eighth round draft choice by the Saints in ’71, Gresham shared the team’s outstanding rookie award, and led the Saints in rushing for two straight seasons. He finished with 1,230 yards and 12 touchdowns during his career.

Since leaving the NFL in 1977, Gresham has lived in Charlotte with his wife, Joyce. Gresham, who is the recreation center director/facility manager for the Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, has three children and three grandchildren.

Even though Gresham doesn’t get back to Morgantown much anymore, that doesn’t mean he’s changed his sporting allegiance. That will never change. Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer.

“I’ve been a Mountaineer fan ever since I left here,” Gresham said. “It’s been a little bit rough on me this past year. Especially the East Carolina game, that was a heartbreaker.

“My niece’s husband, when (East Carolina) won, he just stuck it to me, but I told him we will come back. I still think we will have a good and successful season.”

Gresham was inducted with Eddie Bartrug (football, ’28-30), E. Roy Lester (football, basketball, baseball, ’46-49), Lowes Moore (basketball, ’77-80), Dr. Martin Pushkin (track, cross country coach, ’81-2000) and Jim Sottile (basketball, ’51-53).

— Contact Brian Woodson at

bwoodson@bdtonline.com