In Auburn, N.Y., Robert Dean holds the title of Distinguished Citizen. He was bestowed the title, along with the Key to the City, in 1980 by the Auburn mayor for the lasting impressions he left upon a city and its young people three decades earlier. As head football coach from 1947 to 1959, Dean directed the Auburn High Maroon to a 71-22-8 record, six undefeated seasons, winning streaks of 28 and 22 consecutive games, and domination over the then newly-formed Central Interscholastic Conference.
A generation of Auburn players remembered Dean for more than just the victories. "He received all of our respect," wrote former player Robert Freedman. "Not because he demanded it. Not because he asked for it. But because he expemplified the traits and behavior of 'the leader.' He supported us all the time. We were never 'dressed down' in front of our peers. At tough moments, there was never any yelling or screaming at halftime, only encouragement and more support."
Dean's coaching talents were not limited to football. He coached baseball at Auburn from 1939 to 1966, with the exception of a four-year stint in the U.S. Army. His 1947 squad went undefeated and many others lost only a game or two. Five of his charges went on to play professional baseball.
A native of Vestal, N.Y., Dean came to Cortland in 1933 and played football, baseball and basketball. With new coach Carl "Chugger" Davis, the Red Dragons lost only one game during Dean's three years. Dean started every game for the last undefeated Cortland football team, which outscored its opponents 188-19 in 1935. "I had been out of school five years and did not arrive at Cortland until age 21," recalled Dean, who co-chaired the Senior Demonstration at the College. "The next four years were the most rewarding and pleasant experiences of my life. The influence of Chugger Davis, Doc Rogers, Doc Holloway and Mr. Moench encouraged me through 38 years in the public schools."
Dean earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Cortland in 1937 and, in 1946, a master's degree from Claremont College in California. He taught and coached at Waverly High in 1937-38 before coming to Auburn the following year. Except for the time he served in the Army during WWII, Dean remained at Auburn High until 1975.
Chosen "Man of the Year" in 1982 by the Cayuga County Sportsmans Association, Dean has been involved with volunteer conservation projects, the "Meals on Wheels" program, and church organizations and clubs. Dean is past president of the Cayuga County Coaches Association and a life member of the N.R.A.
Dean and his wife, Elizabeth, have four children: Barbara, Frederick, Diana and Donald.
UPDATE: Dean passed away on April 8, 2005 at age 93.
