400 victories and still counting

Ebony, Dec, 1995

IF you ask Eddie Robinson, he'll tell you that his 400th victory really isn't the record that people should be celebrating. "The record," he says, "is 54 years at one school, one job and with one wife."

Since 1941, the legendary Grambling State University each (who has never missed a game) has proven to be a model of consistency--consistency that was highlighted again on October 7. With much of the sports world focused on Eddie Robinson Stadium, Robinson's Tigers whipped Mississippi Valley State University 42-6 for the coach's 400th victory, raising the pedestal on which he has sat since 1985 when he replaced Paul (Bear) Bryant at the top of football's all-time winning list.

As the game's last seconds wound down, the day of anticipation exploded into a wild celebration that included the release of balloons, congratulatory telephone calls from President Clinton and Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards, and a spectacular fireworks display that spelled out "CONGRATULATIONS COACH ROBINSON 400th WIN." But in typical Robinson style, the 76-year-old coach--who calls this achievement "one of the great moments"--downplays the latest milestone in his career. "I wish I could cut up all of these victories into 400 pieces and give them to all of the players and assistant coaches I've had," Robinson says. "They are the ones who truly deserve the credit."

During his tenure at Grambling, Robinson has won nine Black college national championships and sent more than 200 players to the National Football League, including 1988 Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams. But more importantly, the man who is affectionately called "Coach Rob" has been instrumental in shaping the lives of thousands of youngsters who have been associated with him. And, he says, he has every intention of continuing the "labor of love" that has been a part of his life for most of his life. "With the kind of coaches I've got and the players I'm getting," he says, "I've got a lot of wins left in me."