Track to be named after Coach Robert Green

Track to be named after Coach Robert Green

By Byler Henry

      From a shotgun house in Fort Myers to having a track named after him at Dillard, Coach Robert Green has come a long way. Not only has he coached track, but he also ran track at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. He was also the first runner from Allen to participate in the Penn relays, finishing second in the 100-meter dash to Art Bragg who was the 100-meter champion. Coach Green started working at Dillard High School in 1957, and has worked there for 35 years leaving his mark as a teacher, coach, department chair, and athletic director for 17 years. He was also the first African American coach to participate in a Broward County track and field clinic for coaches.

To this day at 89 years young he continues to contribute to the school’s athletic and academic programs. He is the founder and president of the Panther 100 club which has collectively over the years has donated over $100,000 to support Dillard’s programs. With the funds from the Panther 100 he has accompanied Dillard’s athletic teams across the country including places such as Alaska, New York City, Washington D.C., New Orleans, Las Vegas,  Los Angeles et al. Coach Green bleeds blue and gray and has deserved such an honor.

“This makes me feel proud, they feel that I made contributions to Dillard and to the city of Fort Lauderdale for me to be bestowed with such an honor,” Coach Green says about having the track named after him. His hard work and dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Even after his retirement from the school, he’s still making contributions from the Panther 100. “I continue to work, and will continue to work as long as I can, “Coach Green says a-bout his contributions.

After all that he has done, it is a great thing to see him receive this honor while he is still alive. Being from Fort Myers and going to college in South Carolina, what was your initial  introduction to Dillard? “My affiliation with Dillard High School started back in 1947. I participated in a football game against Dillard on old Walker field; in fact, on a kickoff I ran a touchdown back, but anyway that showed you how your life sometimes goes in a cycle,” Coach Green recalls. Ten years later in 1957, he began to leave his mark through sweat and determination. Continuing to be involved with Dillard has warranted such an honor. Congratulations to coach Robert Green, because this honor is well deserved.