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Zips captain in 1950s played a year in pros; he is still 19th on UA scoring list
Published on Friday, Feb 15, 2008
Beacon Journal staff report
Basketball standout Robert ''Bob'' Whaley, 78, died Wednesday after a short battle with lung cancer.
A resident of Akron most of his life, Whaley was a devoted husband and father of five who was equally at home on the basketball court.
Whaley was born on Jan. 23, 1930, in Everson, Pa., to Mildred Herwick and Howard Whaley.
An honoree in the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, he honed his basketball skills in the Air Force after graduating from East High School in 1948.
During World War II, he served in England, Tripoli and Germany, where he was a control tower operator during the Berlin Airlift.
After his discharge, Whaley enrolled at the University of Akron, where he majored in English literature and physical education. He was a starting member of the UA basketball team and was its captain for three years.
From 1956-57 to 1959-60, Whaley played 99 games, leading the Zips to a record of 76-23.
Whaley was a three-time All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection and an honorable-mention small college All-American as a senior. He finished his career with 1,217 points, which was then fifth on the UA all-time scoring list. He now ranks 19th.
After graduation, he played one year for the Cleveland Pipers in the American Basketball League. The team was owned by George Steinbrenner and coached by John McClendon, the first African-American coach for a professional team.
A devoted teacher, Whaley's heels clicked the hallways of Akron and Ravenna schools both as teacher and coach. He indulged his passion for golf in his latter years, nurturing his friendships with his friends and family.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathleen Doran Whaley, five children, a sister and 10 grandchildren.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Road, Fairlawn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Portage County APL, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna.
Get the full article here.
