Coach Robert “Bob” Pruett was born June 30, 1943 in Beckley, West Virginia. He first came to Huntington in 1961 to attend Marshall University where he played halfback for the Thundering Herd. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in social studies and physical education.
Pruett started his coaching career in Virginia at Falls Church High School. In 1979, he returned to Huntington as an assistant coach for Marshall University before advancing his coaching career at major universities such as Wake Forest, Ole Miss, Tulane and the University of Florida. While at the University of Florida, he coached teams in the 1995 Sugar Bowl and 1996 Fiesta Bowl. In 1996, Pruett accepted the head coaching position at Marshall, where he has delivered the following honors: a I-AA national championship in 1996, four Mid-American Conference championships, three Motor City Bowl championships, a Top 10 national ranking in 1999, 18 first or second team all-conference selections, two Heisman finalists, two national Coach of the Year awards, and three West Virginia Coach of the Year awards.
The Marshall Alumni Association honored Pruett in 1998 with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. He participates in numerous community activities such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Boy Scouts of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
