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Former Bison, Trojans coach earns state honor
A former football coach for three area schools will be honored at Sunday’s Nebraska Coaches Association Association Awards banquet.
Bob Fuller’s coaching career began in 1971 at Farnam while Bob Devaney was winning his first national championship with the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
When Fuller started his McCook Bison tenure in 1994, Tom Osborne finally captured his first elusive Husker national title after 22 seasons.
Fuller has moved on to several Nebraska high schools including a successful five seasons with the Cambridge Trojans.
On Saturday, Nebraska Coaches Association leaders will honor Fuller with a 45-year service award.
Fuller was the predecessor to McCook’s amazing football success with current coach and school principal Jeff Gross.
He directed the 1994 Bison to an 11-0 mark and Class B state finals appearance.
McCook beat Sidney, 47-28, then won a memorable 32-28 semifinal contest over the Blair Bears. Though a 20-0 slipped away, McCook made an amazing 20-play to the winning fourth-quarter touchdown.
Perhaps the Bison ran out of steam during a 56-16 finals loss at Hastings one week earlier.
However, Fuller directed McCook to four more state playoff appearances before departing for Phillipsburg, Kan.
Fuller had already established his Cambridge Trojan legacy from 1984-89. He led the team to three playoff appearances including a 1987 Class C-2 state title.
The Trojans clobbered Norfolk Catholic, 30-0, for that championship. They earlier conquered Hemingford, 60-0, before a thrilling 19-16 semifinal victory vs. Sandy Creek.
Once again, a Kansas opportunity lured Fuller away to Wellington, Kan., after the 1989 season.
He’s never been hesitant about new challenges. Fuller has also coached at Hebron (1973-78), Sidney (1978-79), Plattsmouth (1979-84), Omaha Central (2004), Plattsmouth again (2004-12), Louisville (2012-13), Auburn (2013-14), Grand Island Central Catholic (2016-17) and now Weeping Water in Cass County.
All those stops have led to more than 250 coaching wins and 28 state playoff appearances overall.
The NCA Banquet honoring Fuller takes place in the Grand Hall of Old Lincoln Train Station in Lincoln’s Haymarket District.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with other coaches and athletes honored.