Battle of the Brandywine

at the Downingtown Alumni Sports Complex

2019 Battle of the Brandywine Honoree: Bob Boyer

Bob Boyer served the Downingtown school district for 40 years as a teacher, coach, secondary vice principal and athlete director.

            His life has always been about winning on the field and behind the scenes. Bob was a three sport letter winner in baseball, basketball and soccer at West Chester State College, then a Division 1 program.  Bob experienced the ultimate goal for an athlete when the 1961 men’s soccer team won the national championship.

            

 

His career in athletics went beyond college.  After earning his degree at West Chester, he went on to earn a Master of Science degree at Springfield College.  He spent his entire teaching and coaching career at Downingtown High School, beginning in 1963 as a Health and Physical Education teacher. He coached Varsity baseball from 1963-1969: was head boys basketball coach from 1965-1986: coached cross country in 1963 and golf in 1966. He eventually became the school's athletic director and later a vice principal, all while helping build the Whippets into a sport's program recognized across the state.

           

When joining the staff in 1963, he was asked by the Alumni Association leaders, Gladys and Tom Brookover, to drive the car with the first Homecoming Queen, Diane McDermott Wagner, in the first Homecoming parade. Throughout his career as Athletic Director, the Alumni Association provided additional support for Downingtown Athletics and student body.

           The administrative leadership of Superintendents, Principals and School Board members such as Cynthia Hallman and Norm Long contributed to that success together with the internal staff of Ken Sigle, Kim Copelman and Renee Harty.

Being a part of the Downingtown community for 40 years, Bob is very proud to be part of their success. Having outstanding coaches and student athletes, Downingtown has brought home multiple District 1 and state championships.  His contributions to the sports programs was recognized by the Downingtown School District when it named the Gym at Downingtown East High School the Robert A Boyer Gymnasium.

Bob Boyer is also a member of the West Chester University Basketball Hall of Fame, the initial Ches-Mont League Hall of Fame, and the Chester County Hall of Fame. Bob is honored to be recognized as the Honoree at the Battle of the Brandywine Game. There are no losers in this game because of the coaching leadership of Mike Matta and Mike Milano who will always be winners.

             Bob Boyer is supported by his wife Susan: daughter. Nicole Salinsky, wife of Scott; grandchildren Gabriel and Ryan Kay; son Robert Gorman, daughter in law, Karin Fisher; daughter in law Amy wife of Charles Gazzillo, grandsons, Anthony and Andrew, husband of Meghan and great grandchild Jack Austin.

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The Battle of the Brandywine was begun in 2009. This is the game played between the Downingtown EAST Cougars and the Downingtown WEST Whippets. The first “battle” honored Herbert Lee for his tireless work with the Alumni Association. After the first year, the home team and booster club began choosing an honoree. The Winner of the game takes home the coveted “Herbert Lee Trophy” to display in their school for the year. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAST SCORES & HONOREES)