With an emphatic cry of “Go Tigers” from the eight grandchildren of the late Bob Rosencrans ’58 and the snip of two oversized pairs of scissors across a red ribbon, Wittenberg officially dedicated the Bob Rosencrans Fitness Center at the Athletics Hall of Honor, Oct. 28.

“Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, Wittenberg now boasts state-of-the-art equipment in its newly renovated Heinzen Strength Center, a Recotan track surface on its Earl F. Morris Track, a new artificial grass turf on Edwards-Maurer Field, and the centerpiece of all our improvements, this amazing facility, which Wes and Ann Bates, members of the Wittenberg class of 1970, made possible with their lead gift.”

The Rosencrans family, including Bob’s widow, Sharon, their daughters, Julie Rastatter, Beth Delaney and Amy Dean, and their eight grandchildren, participated in the event, while dozens of individuals from the Wittenberg community who knew him well from his days as a student-athlete, coach and director of athletics enjoyed the moment with them. According to Dean, who spoke on behalf of the family to the standing-room only crowd, it was fitting that so many friends and former colleagues were in attendance.

Dean spoke of her father’s passion for Wittenberg, first as a student-athlete in the 1950s and later as a head coach in swimming and diving, wrestling and golf, an assistant coach in football and the university’s director of athletics from 1982-92. It was fitting, she noted, that this event was held during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, recounting that her father’s first love was the game of football, and the family holds cherished memories of many crisp fall weekends that included Tiger victories on the gridiron.

Director of Athletics and Recreation Garnett Purnell and Student Senate President Jonathan Scruggs ’06 also shared some words.

“As students, we often do not have the chance to meet those who make our Wittenberg experience so meaningful through their consistent financial support, so it is an honor to meet so many of you today and to learn about the facility’s namesake,” Scruggs said.

“Bob Rosencrans enhanced so many lives at Wittenberg and beyond, and I, along with my fellow students, hope we can do the same now and when we leave these hallowed halls.”