Robert S. "Bob" Butler

Washington's Assistant Crew Coach 1924-1925

Navy's Crew Coach 1925-1927

Yale's Freshman Crew Coach 1930-194?

Robert S. "Bob" Butler graduated from the University of Washington in 1923 after rowing on the second crew for four years.  He was unable to make the varsity 8 due to a lack of weight.  After graduation, he was hired to be an assistant to Washington's coach Russell "Rusty" Callow, the first assistant coach to be hired at the University.

After one year as an assistant, the United States Naval Academy hired him as head coach in August 1925.  Butler trained the Navy crew in a style that combined elements from Richard A. "Dick"/"Pop" Glendon and University of Washington rowing.  In 1927, Butler ceased coaching at the Naval Academy, but continued to work there as an instructor in the Department of Physical Training.

At some point, he returned to the state of Washington, where in 1930, he was offered the job of assistant coach at Yale.  He coached Yale's lighweight and class crews.  There is conflicting information as to when he left Yale, around the time of World War II.

He passed away in May 1963 at the age of 62 after suffering a heart attack.

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