The consummate, dedicated athlete, Robb Rugg never dreamed that he would have to choose between his two passions: football and golf. While the choice would prove to be a difficult one, it was one that honored his commitment to team and school, inspiring teammates, coaches, and fans alike. Fall signaled the start of the football season for most of Rugg’s high school career. Buoyed by Rugg’s undefeated run as quarterback for the Junior Redskins, offensive coach Dave Grobl wrote to a headed-to-high-school Rugg, saying, “The last two football seasons have been very, very enjoyable seasons. […] I didn’t have any fits with you at the controls. True, you made some ‘strange’ calls but then there were some gems that came from the sidelines. Let’s just say we shared some anxious moments, some sad ones, and finally all the happy moments which come with an undefeated championship.” The heart in all of those moments and the ones to follow fueled Rugg’s love for football. Rugg eagerly dove into high school play, leading his freshman squad to an undefeated season, delighting in the competition and camaraderie of the game, as well as the chance to lead. A two-time varsity quarterback, Rugg led the Redskins to an Upstate 8 Championship in his junior season. Life on the gridiron was truly great. For all of the glory of fall, spring shone even brighter, as Rugg swung his way to four Upstate 8 Conference championships and two years as captain of the varsity golf team. When the IHSA moved the competitive golf season from spring to fall, creating a conflict with football, Rugg was forced to make an impossible choice: continue quarterbacking his Redskins or lead his golf team as senior captain. After careful thought and reflection, Rugg hung up his jersey and picked up his golf bag but remained a steadfast fan of all things Redskin. He shared that one of his best moments in high school came from a story told by friend, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, Bob Waropay: “At the Homecoming football game, just before halftime, the PA announcer announced, ‘Rugg shot a 4 under par 69, and the team is in second place after the first day of the state championships golf tournament.’ Halfback Waropay, in the huddle, looked at teammates and said, ‘Told you Rugg made the right decision.’” While he couldn’t be physically part of both of his beloved teams, his spirit was very much a part of each team’s stories. Rugg’s senior golf season was a heady one. The team had five tournament wins and two second place finishes. Rugg was an individual medalist at the Rockford Invitational and placed second at both the Galesburg Invitational and the IHSA Sectional tournament. At the 1974 state tournament, Rugg and his teammates set NCHS records that still stand forty years later, including best team finish (3rd place), low individual round (Rugg, 69 – 4 under par) and low state tournament total (Rugg, 2 over par). For all of the hardware Rugg brought home that year, his memories center on relationships. He likens his coach, Cal Grosshuesch to a second father and loves his memories with teammate and lifelong friend, Terry Flynn. His time as a Redskin athlete intimately shaped both his high school experience and all that was to follow. His hard work led to several scholarship opportunities, including an academic offering from USC and an invitation to play football for the Air Force Academy. He ultimately chose to continue golfing on a full ride at the University of Illinois, where he was a four-year varsity award winner, a George Huff academic award winner, and golf team captain as a senior. He graduated with a degree in finance and went on to earn an MBA at St. Mary’s College of California. A lifelong learner, Rugg has also completed Continuing Executive Education studies through Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. In his professional roles, Rugg leads with the same vigor and confidence he used to attack life on the football field and the golf course. He found a special calling in the world of building materials and has crafted a distinctive and accomplished career. His many roles include Executive Director of The Drake Group (2002-2008), President of Probuild Gypsum (2008-2009) and board member for Grabber Construction Products. He is currently the Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Business Development for James Hardie Building Products. While accomplished in so many arenas, Rugg celebrates most the love of his family and friends. He has been married to wife, Chris for 33 years, is the proud father of Jessica and Kelly, and remains closely connected to his high school friends. Over the course of his experiences, Rugg has learned “how precious and fragile life is” and urges others to “live life to the fullest, cherish and develop family, friend and professional relationships, and find your love and passion, striving to be the best at all you do.” Words that Rugg has always faithfully lived by, even in the face of tough choices.