Bob and Anna Lou Eller
Year of Induction: 2022 | Categories: Friends of Sports, Individual
For Salem Wildcat fans, the name Eller certainly is one of the most recognizable names in SCHS history. Bob Eller began his career at Central School. He then went to the Salem Junior High School and finished his teaching career at SCHS where he taught math and physical education. Bob coached many sports, including varsity and freshman basketball, assistant football, cross country and was the intramural sports director. In 1970, Bob started the SCHS golf program which grew into a very successful one. Bob also served as the Athletic Director from 1970-1981.
During the summer months he ran the Salem Little League baseball program, operated the city pool and taught swimming lessons. Bob was still teaching when he passed away in the spring of 1981.
Whatever job Bob was working, his wife Anna Lou was always involved. During his A.D. years, Anna Lou was his unofficial assistant in the athletics office. She helped him with clerical work and was at all the home events.
After Bob’s passing, Anna Lou started the Bob Eller Memorial Golf Tournament which led to the Bob Eller Scholarship that went to a senior boy and senior girl. Besides being a great fan of Wildcat athletics, Anna Lou served on the SCHS Board of Education, SCHS Academic Foundation, and is a member of the SCHS Hall of Fame Committee and many other organizations.
Three of the Eller children, Ken, Ron and Tim played sports at SCHS. Grandchildren Ben and Carrie were also former Wildcat athletes.