Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
When selling prospective students on the virtues of his Sweet Alma Home, 1970 graduate Bob Youngblood would tell them, “My name and a dollar fifty will get you a cup of coffee.” Clearly selling his legacy short, Youngblood left an indelible mark at Heidelberg -- as a student, an alumnus and an employee.
Hailing from Toledo, Youngblood made his way to Heidelberg as an aspiring educator and wrestler. He joined the wrestling program, still in its infancy, and wrestled for ‘Berg legends Jim Getz and Pete Riesen. In addition to his time on the mats in the Tin Gym, he joined the Sigma Tau Nu fraternity.
After graduating in 1970, Youngblood began his career in education in the Greater Cleveland area. For more than 30 years, he was a teacher, a coach and an administrator. Through those roles, he helped guide generations of Berea and Midpark students (including many wrestlers) to Heidelberg for college.
He joined the Heidelberg Alumni Council in 2001 and later served as the organization’s president. In 2010, after retiring from the public school system, Youngblood began a 15-year run at Heidelberg. In his role as an admissions-alumni liaison, he became a steady, visible presence on campus. In addition to his day-to-day roles, he served as an advisor for the Sigs, often reminding them to “Study, study, study.”
Youngblood remains fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, the Sigs and the Student Princes. He still resides in Berea with his wife, Denise. In addition to staying active on the golf course, officiating track & field and participating in the Kiwanis organization, his favorite role is the one he plays for the children of his son, Kyle ’12. To Ollie, Ellie and Arlo, he is simply “Bob Bob” -- a doting grandfather who treasures every moment with them.
This profile appeared in the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet program.
