BOB TIMMONS
1924 – 2015
Inducted – 2001

During his 24-year tenure as the Kansas University track and cross-country coach from 1965-88, Bob Timmons led KU to four NCAA championships, 13 Big-8 outdoor championships and two conference cross country championships. The 11-time NCAA District V coach of the year and 1975 US Track & Field Coaches Association national coach of the year started his coaching career at Caldwell (KS) High School in 1950. He also coached at Emporia, Wichita West and Wichita East before coming to KU in 1964. Following his retirement from KU in 1988, he spent several years coaching high school volleyball and junior high track at Baldwin City. Timmons’ high school teams won seven state swimming titles, four cross country crowns and six state track championships. He produced three individual cross country titlists, 29 track champs and six state-winning relay teams. During his career Timmons coached seven Olympians, 16 world record holders, 77 NCAA All-Americans, and 24 NCAA champions. The list of athletes who competed under Timmons includes Jim Ryun, Cliff Wiley, Karl Salb, Randy Smith, Jeff Buckingham, Deon Hogan, Archie San Romani, Jr., Bill Stone, Dick Utter, Bob Hansen and fellow KSHOF 2001 inductee, Jeff Farrell. A recipient of KU’s prestigious Fred Ellsworth medallion, Timmons has been inducted into the KU Athletic Hall of Fame and the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame. Born June 20, 1924 – Joplin, MO. Graduated Pittsburg (KS) H.S., 1942; University of Kansas, 1950.