McMurry University Athletics

Bob Reily was a two-sport standout for McMurry University from 1947-1950 and graduated as a member of the class of 1951. Reily participated in both track & field and football.

He was a four-year letterman under the direction of head coach Wilford Moore on the Indian football team and played a part in three consecutive Texas Conference Championships by McMurry from 1948-1950. Reily participated in two bowl games including a 19-13 win over Missouri Valley College in the Oleander Bowl in 1949.

Reily played alongside three McMurry players selected in the NFL draft including Brad Rowland, Floyd Sampson and Les Cowan. Though he was primarily the center on the offensive side of the ball, he was often called to play on defense as well and played several games without ever leaving the field for a single play.

On the track, Reily was a short-distance runner and a member of the relay teams. He participated and medaled in several events at the Texas Relays, the Kansas Relays and the Border Olympics.

After his collegiate career, he began coaching track at the high school level and led Colorado City High School to a state championship and was named Coach of the Year in 1957 by the Abilene Reporter News.

Following his athletics career as both a participant and a coach, Reily opened the Prudential Insurance Office in Colorado City where he worked for 38 years before retiring in 1995. Reily has been tremendously involved in the community in Colorado City and has continued to support McMurry University financially and continues to work track meets hosted by McMurry each year.

Bob married Charlene Ross in 1950 and they have two sons, Patrick and William along with two grandchildren: Christopher and Alexia.