Bob Figueira

Bob Figueira graduated from Patchogue High School in 1968.  He burst onto the scene as a freshman trackman, showing great signs of potential.  He was a slender young man with above average speed.  Dashes, hurdles and relays were his passion.

During his sophomore year, after spending a great deal of time competing against upperclassmen, he competed on the 1966 mile medley relay team.  During the 1967 season, Bob had become a fully-formed track star, never having to look back.  His exceptional speed, and well-conditioned body did not fail him.

Breaking the Patchogue High School record in the 100 yard dash by posting a 9.8 time wasn’t enough for Bob.  He developed into the premier low hurdles champion in New York State.  Bob also anchored the 880 relay team.  Whenever he competed, he served notice that he was “The One to Beat”!

As a senior, he won a race at the “Meet of Champions”, held at C.W. Post College.  As a result of his victory, Bob was invited to compete at the Golden West Invitational in California, where he finished third in the nation in the 180 yard low hurdles.  Since this race was run on a curved track, Bob’s third place finish was attributed to the fact that he had never competed in this or any event on a curved track.  According to Bob’s coach, had the event been held on a straight track, he would have won this race.

Besides track, Bob was a member of the PHS Varsity Football team.  He was an integral part of the 1967 League 2 Co-Champion team.  Some of his football accomplishments included running for a 74 yard touchdown against Newfield; running for a 95 yard touchdown against Deer Park, still a school record.  He led all rushers in yards gained and scoring.  Bob’s 1967 team went on to being inducted into the Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame.

After graduating from high school, Bob enrolled in Central Connecticut State College before transferring to CW Post.  At Post, he continued to compete in track, breaking and holding 10 records.  He was chosen to the Outstanding Athletes of America as their captain.  Coaches across the nation made their selections for this team based on athletic prowess, community service and campus activities.  Bob was also recipient of the CW Post Athletic Achievement Award.  Bob graduated from Post with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology.  He passed away in 2011 and will always be remembered for his love of life and his great skills on the track.