Robert S. Welch, Sr. 

Robert S. Welch, Sr. attended Centralia Junior College from 1953 to 1955, and was a proven leader for the Men’s Basketball Team and one of the premier rebounders to play for the College. Robert was all conference both years that he played for KC and was inducted into the Centralia High Hall of Fame. In 1955 he averaged 25 rebounds and over 22 points per game and had a record of 42 rebounds against the St Louis University Freshman team.

Robert was named to the Converse “Shoe” Company National Pre-season All-American List, was selected for the Centralia Invitational Tournament All-Star team, the Central Illinois College Conference All-Star team, and the NJCAA Region II Tournament All-Star team.

After KC Robert moved on to SIU-C, he earned two varsity letters in basketball and a top notch rebounder there as well. Once his playing day were over his started his professional career as an administrator in the Flint public school system in Michigan, he continued to set the example for future generations until his retirement in 1992.