While at Cortland, Rifenberick played varsity baseball for three years and became captain in his third year, while also playing varsity soccer. In regard to soccer Rifenberick said, “never saw a soccer ball before but was assigned to goalie position and played for three years.” In addition, he was a member of Cortland's football and basketball teams for three seasons each.
Rifenberick taught physical education in Albany Elementary for 19 years and was principal for 21 years. Within his community he belonged to the Pinehaven Country Club, was director of the Albany Bowling Association and was formerly lay leader at Trinity United Methodist Church. Rifenberick was delegate to the State Teachers Association for four years and president of Albany School Administrators’ Association.
When asked how athletics affected his life, Rifenberick answered, “Only when the “30” is placed after our name can the interest and desire to participate in competitive activities be closed out. My teaching was almost entirely structured by a set of goals which were compiled to custom fit each individual according to his initial capacity and physical make-up. Satisfaction, as a result, thus stems from recognition of self improvement from within rather than from a comparison with our peers. Pupils with advanced skills were taught that we all differ from one another and that their special ability could best be applied to help the neophite reach the next goal level. This theory has applied extensively in my association with people inside and outside the classroom.”
And when describing his “biggest athletic thrill” he responded by saying, “ I lived on cloud nine when the sports editor of the Cortland newspaper informed me that a scout from Syracuse (International Baseball League) was coming down to observe me at our next game. The deterrent factor turned out to my lack of running speed which relegated me to semi-pro ball in the Albany area. Otherwise, every game I played for Cortland was my big thrill, especially when I ran into Albany athletes at Colgate, Cornell, Ithaca, Syracuse, Stroudsburg, etc…”
Robert has three children.
UPDATE: Rifenberick passed away on August 19, 2001.
