Blatchford, Bob “Blatch”

 

Bob “Blatch” Blatchford – (2003)

 

The distinguished sports career of Bob “Blatch” Blatchford spans almost 50 years. As the consummate student-athlete, his accomplishments and honors received as an athlete, scholar, referee, official and commissioner, clearly place him among the most outstanding in the rich sports history of Lorain, Ohio.

Bob began his athletic career at Longfellow Junior High School, lettering in both football and basketball. Upon arriving at Lorain High School, he made an impact as a tenacious football and basketball player. He was awarded a total of 6 letters and was named All-Ohio by the Associated Press and United Press International along with participating in the annual North-South football game. During his senior year, Bob served as captain of the football and basketball teams and was elected most valuable player of each team.

Electing to attend Western Reserve University of the Mid-American Conference to study architecture, he continued his athletic excellence by being awarded 10 letters (4- football; 4- basketball; 2- track). In basketball he played forward and guard; and in football, he displayed remarkable versatility by playing five different positions on offense and defense. Continuing his leadership ability, he served as co-captain of the football team. Bob was elected MVP of his Western Reserve team. This marked the second time he received such an honor including his LHS award, a rare accomplishment for a lineman.

Bob Blatchford did not leave his mental toughness “on the playing field”, as he was awarded the Albert Litwak Trophy for Outstanding Student-Athlete. Other honors include the John L. Price Award as the most outstanding football player; induction into two national architectural honor societies, the Epsilon Delta Rho and the Omicron Delta Kappa. He also received the Alpha Rho Chi medal as the senior who most displayed outstanding leadership, service and professional promise in the field of architecture.

Upon graduation from Western Reserve University, Bob continued his devotion and service to sports by becoming recognized as one of the most highly respected referees/officials in northern Ohio, serving in a variety of capacities. His leadership qualities continued as he was named, in 1992, as Commissioner of the Mid-Continental Football Conference and in 1994 he was elected into the Minor Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bob, indelibly, stamped his name into local architectural sports history by becoming the architect selected to design the scoreboard, loges and other facilities at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

The Blatchford family, including eight children and twelve grandchildren reside in Northeast Ohio.