In the entirety of Naperville Central athletic history, Bob Gabler can lay claim to one irrefutable fact: to this day, he is the only person associated with Redskin or Redhawk athletics to be nominated for the Naperville Central Athletic Hall of Fame in two different categories. So deep is the respect for Bob Gabler that he is being inducted as both a coach, and as a Friend of Athletics. It is a testament to Bob Gabler’s love for all things Naperville Central that his fingerprint threads through so many pages of the NCHS story. Bob's affinity for high school athletics was both natural and immediate. Raised in Macomb, Illinois, and a student at Western High, Bob grew up an avid fan of all Leatherneck teams, surrounded by an exceptional coaching staff that nurtured his love of sport. As a teenager, he was mentored by his head football coach and World History teacher, Harry Sockler, who would himself be inducted into the WIU Athletic Hall of Fame right about the time that Bob was beginning his career in Naperville District 203. Bob learned early the importance of hard work and service beyond self, channeling the lessons and examples of loved ones in his personal and professional life. Bob’s impact in extracurricular service was immediate and extensive; his sponsorship of the Freshman Class in 1975 kicked off decades of inimitable service to community. For the next 35 years, Bob Gabler played an integral role in cultivating school and community spirit through the thoughtful design and meticulous execution of experiences for students and athletes that both showcased and deepened school pride. From building Homecoming parade floats out of hay racks, chicken wire and napkins, to putting on countless proms, Bob instilled that same spirit of genuine volunteerism in the students he worked with, leading them through fundraising initiatives, service projects, and marquee events, in addition to coaching them through graduation planning and the selection of senior class gifts. Bob’s unique blend of exacting standards, matter-of-fact analysis, gentle humor, and calm patience pushed, supported, and celebrated students within and beyond the classroom. Drawn to all facets of Naperville Central life, Bob was a steady presence at home athletic contests. He began his tenure as clock operator for varsity and sophomore boys’ basketball games in 1975 and stepped into the same role for girls basketball during the Candace Parker years; Bob held that special seat at the boys and girls tables through the end of the 2020 season. On Friday nights in the fall, Bob could always be found in the press box for football games, updating the crowd as message board operator for several years before moving into the role of spotter. As spotter, Bob worked for a precise delivery of jersey numbers, down and distance, and yardage gained, keenly aware that he was sharing information with the public address announcer, local media, and statisticians, and that his relay of data would highlight the hard work of the kids on the field. Bob’s commitment to and love of detail was a constant illustration of his devotion to creating an environment where all students felt valued and connected.Bob Gabler’s most notable role within the Naperville Central athletic department was the 33 years he spent as the assistant boys tennis coach. Hired in 1987 by Charlie Harris, Bob described the opportunity to coach as the fulfillment of a lifelong goal. Working under Harris for the first twenty years, and head coach Dan Brown for the last 13, Bob’s primary role was that of a sophomore and junior varsity coach. Each spring when his season ended, Bob would join the varsity to help mentor Sectional and State athletes during IHSA series play. Under Bob’s guidance, Naperville Central High School boys tennis reached new heights, including eight top-ten finishes, five top-five finishes, and four IHSA trophies for top-four finishes. In 2017, Redhawk tennis won the IHSA State Championship. Bob's junior varsity teams won 15 conference titles, and he was named the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2000. The hallmarks of any team coached by Bob were thorough preparation, a positive attitude, maximum effort, and good sportsmanship. As a coach, Bob quietly centered his athletes in the spotlight; they, in turn, were the ultimate reflections of his integrity and heart. Throughout his entire career, Bob Gabler focused on what mattered most: interpersonal relationships. He stresses, “Coaches need to believe in their athletes' potential and to strive for improvement in their performance and individual growth." He adds, “They must remain positive in all of their communication and work through challenging situations with optimism." Bob counsels athletes to “set your goals high and know that your coaches and teammates will support you." Bob Gabler poured himself into his 36 years in education, all with his devoted wife, Carole, at his side. They take special pride in their family, including daughter Amy, son-in-law Jeff, and grandchildren Ethan and Riley. Even with dual Hall of Fame recognition as a coach and Friend of Athletics, there aren’t enough descriptors to fully capture and honor Bob Gabler’s influence in the Naperville Central community. Through the gift of his head, heart, and hands, Bob has touched all who have been fortunate enough to share time with him - and has carefully and generously carved out a proud foundation from which all future Redhawks can take flight.