He was truly one of a kind, rightfully proud and profoundly unique in a firm, subtle way that reminded one and all — kindness, caring, respect, diligence and honest effort make the best of all playbooks, most certainly his own.
When Robert S. (Bob) Bushong passed away 10 days ago at the age of 90, he left a footprint many emulate but never match, genuine proof that perfection is reserved for those who exhibit excellence in all they pursue and do.
Bob’s life was pure storybook — from his high school days at Milford through educational stops at Valparaiso, Ball State and Indiana; a U.S. Navy career as a commissioned ensign that took him through Korean War stints and into Iwo Jima and Naples, Italy; Lieutenant Commander status upon retirement in 1979, and thence to high school coaching positions at Milford, North Vernon, North Muskegon, Kokomo and finally Haworth.
Through it all he was the solid, unaffected leader he was destined to be, priorities intact. Wife Virginia, dedication to family and personal integrity were No. 1 first, last and always. Touchdowns merely brought up the rear.
Still, football was forever ingrained, a coaching stint in the Navy when his Midshipmen beat Duke, perhaps the lightning bolt. And come every weekday practice or Friday night whistle, nothing was more simon pure or golden than the scent of pigskin or the sense of expectation.
Make no mistake. Bob was not the quiet, nodding, acquiescent sideline wanderer. Players quickly recognized the fire and brimstone. He demanded the utmost — the same as he gave — a formula foes lived to fear and rue.
As Dave Granson, a 205-pound tackle on those potent early ’60s Kat clubs of coach Bob Hamilton, said: “Bush had an explosive personality that few knew of. He cut no slack for anybody. Miss a block or tackle and he’d give you the ball and say, ‘Go and see how it is.’ But he was an offensive genius.”
Harold Canady, former Kat performer who spent 39 years in education at Kokomo and Haworth, said Bushong was “the reason I got into education, my inspiration and a great coach and innovator who was tough but fair.”
Will Rice, Kat quarterback in the late ’60s, remarked: “He had one of the greatest offensive minds I ever saw. He was way ahead of his time, and I still call him Coach.”
Dick Donovan, Bill Fox and Larry Ruch, coaches during great Kat and Huskie seasons, agreed: “Bush was a brilliant offensive coach and incredibly organized. He was so far ahead of everybody else.” They spoke of Purdue coaches visiting Bob’s practices and “picking his mind.”
John Bingaman, Bob’s assistant, offered: “Bush always had an open mind because he cared what you thought, but he was always in command. He also had a great insight into the potential of young people.” Keith Slaughter tutored some very successful Haworth baseball teams and saw Bushong as “a strong leader, totally dedicated and always encouraging.”
Craig Dunn, who quarterbacked Bob’s final Haworth team (8-2) in 1972, remarked: “Bush was one of the most intense, demanding coaches I ever knew, but he taught us about life. Winning was important, but how we won was more important. He will always be coach to me.”
The Hamilton-Bushong Kat tandem (1954-68) was not without thorns. But it was unique in that Ham swore life began with a linebacker blitz at the two-yard line and Bushong’s motto was “don’t come back until you get at least seven.”
To this Jon Ellers offered: “People don’t know how great Ham and Bush were or how they went at each other. But that’s what made Kokomo great — it had the best of both worlds, offense and defense, Ham and Bush.”
Having covered Haworth in its formulative years, it was my opportunity to view the character and depth of a man affectionately tagged “Bush.” He could be a demon. But simply put, he was solid human being with the audacity to demand every thought and effort be rendered for singular purpose. His devotion made for a perfect match.
There were no facades, just a beaming smile, firm shake, resolute spirit and an unquenchable fire that was susceptible to victory only — Bushong style.
Legacy should be so rich and pure.
• Gene F. Conard may be reached through the sports department.
Sports
CONARD: Bushong left lasting impression
He served our country and our community.
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