Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado State University

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Sigma Phi Epsilon - Colorado Gamma Chapter 310 S Arthur Ashe Blvd Richmond, VA 23220-5706 Address Service Requested S P EA R The B ob's athletic career began in his hometown of Trinidad, Colorado, where he gained notoriety in football, track, tennis, and basketball by earning 10 letters. In 1945, Bob was (and still is) the youngest starting quarterback in CSU history; he was only 17 years old—a true freshman. He led the Aggie-Rams to a 33-0 home triumph over Northern Colorado on September 29, 1945, the team's first game in three years due to World War II. Bob was also the punting specialist for the football team; in fact, his nickname, "The Toe" stems from the fact that he kicked more field goals during the 1948 football season, twice as many, than any other collegiate player in the United States. Bob received four letters in football ('45, '46, '47, '48), was the starting quarterback in the 1949 Raisin Bowl (CSU's first bowl appearance), and made all-conference his senior year. Bob is on an exclusive list of true freshmen to start a major college football game in their first game of eligibility and remain the starting quarterback for all four years. The list includes players like John Elway (Stanford) and Peyton Manning (Tennessee). It is also important to note that he was competing against men who were not only older but were WWII veterans who were blended with traditional-aged college men. Another amazing thing about Bob was not only did he receive letters in multiple sports, but he also competed in multiple varsity sports in the same season. He was the starting shortstop on the baseball team for three of his four years (even though his high school had no baseball team) while competing in the long jump and high jump for the track team. It would not be uncommon for Bob to play in a conference baseball game in the morning and then drive to compete in a conference track meet in the afternoon. Bob received a total of nine letters during his time at Colorado A&M. Bob left Colorado A&M early after being drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1949 in the 19th round, 188 pick overall. Washington optioned Bob (when the Redskins were able to trade backup quarterback Tommy Mont for Harry Gilmer of the Detroit Lions) to the Wilmington Delaware Clippers of the then- American Association. After the Clippers exercised their option, Bob became not only their starting quarterback, but head coach Doug Turley also named him as his assistant coach. Unfortunately, the Clippers ceased operations at the end of the 1949 season. Bob returned to his studies at Colorado A&M and graduated in the spring of 1950. AN ATHLETIC STAR Robert Frederick "The Toe" Hainlen '50 and His Achievements in CSU Sports Compiled by Dan Reagan '82 Footnotes:The News Journal from Wilmington, Delaware (September 21, 1949), Page 48 profootballarchives.com/1949aflwil.html The Rocky Mountain Collegian (Bob was mentioned in 115 articles during his time at Colorado A&M) "I joined SigEp to build lifelong friendships and to be part of a supportive community. SigEp also offers great opportunities for personal growth and networking." –Nolan Curran '28 "I joined SigEp because of the values that the chapter aligns itself with. The focus on academics and building up others and yourself was most important to me." –Cole Lindsey '28 "I wanted to join SigEp to build myself up and have friends who will hold me accountable. SigEp will also help me build lifelong friendships past college." –Caleb Schneider '28 Why SigEp? Hear from Some of Our New Members See a full list of new members on page 3!

• Cover