If you played or cheered for Belmont Football in the 60’s and 70’s you couldn’t miss Coach Bob Whatley on the side lines it was hard to miss the former standout offensive lineman for Springfield College. You may also remember him from having had him for PE/Gym teaching how to navigate the parallel bars or him never losing at handball.

Coach Whatley passed away this morning (March 9, 2021) with his daughter Joy by his side. He had just celebrated his 85th birthday last week and was still sharp when it came to the game of football. I had the great thrill of reconnecting with him last spring and we would critique the weeks pro and college games. His greatest enjoyment was reminiscing about his Belmont Football Teams, he was spot on with names positions and play’s especially the 99 Quickie over the middle flats pass play.

He was part of the dynamic trio of Doug Arangio and Ed Mullin, he was the quieter of the crew however his facial expressions and quiet one liners let a player know when the assignment was missed on a play.

I worked with him when he was in charge of the Recreation Department’s evening gym program at the “New High School “ Coach Whatley had a positive impact not only with his athletes but all the young people he came in contact with during his teaching career.

If there is a football team in Heaven and I am sure there is they just gained a great coach and mentor

Rest Easy Coach Whatley and Thank You for everything that you did for us during your tenure at BHS.

Tim Sheehan