Telatnik, Robert

He attended Lorain High School from 1945-49 and played varsity baseball and basketball for two years and was the leading hitter and scorer on both of those teams in his senior year.

Bob attended Kent State University and played and lettered in baseball for two years while pursuing a degree in Education.

Following his graduation in 1957 he embarked on a twenty two year coaching career where he was involved in various athletic programs at different Lorain County schools.

Bob Telatnik was often described in newspaper articles as “that Quiet Coach from Brookside, Lorain and Avon Lake High Schools”. As head basketball coach at Brookside for four seasons, he produced three straight Inland Conference Championships with 38 straight victories in conference games. The team was undefeated in conference play in 1964.

After a four year stint at Lorain High School, he was named Head Basketball Coach at Avon Lake in 1969, and during his tenure the team captured the AAA Sectional in the 1970-71 season.

He retired from coaching in 1975 with a career won-loss record of 167 and 114. Bob was inducted into the Lorain County Coach’s Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Brookside Hall of Fame in 1989.

Bob brought a quiet demeanor to his coaching career. Team success was paramount to his approach and he always gave credit to the kids. Despite his low key manner, many of his former players profess how Coach Telatnik had a huge impact on their lives and enabled them to grow into successful adults.

Bob retired from teaching in 1991 and currently resides in Amherst.