Bob Pickens has experienced athletic success in more ways than most. Beginning with his high school career in which he was named all-state in three sports, all the way to a NFL career with the Bears, and even a 6th place finish in the 1964 Olympics in Greco-Roman Wrestling, Bob has seen it all. Bob has strong collegiate ties after being named a s a pre-season All-American candidate football player at the University of Wisconsin and then later serving as a Big Ten football official for 13 years.
Success did not always come easy to Bob. He started his college career at University of Wisconsin until academic struggles forced him to transfer to Nebraska where he eventually finished school and graduated with a degree and All Big 8 offensive tackle honors. Based on the values Bob learned through athletics and his experience at Wisconsin, he went on to enjoy an accomplished business career before being appointed Commissioner of Chicago Park Districts by Mayor Richard M. Daley. Bob relishes the opportunity to share the lessons he has learned about the impact athletics and academics can have on student athletes' lives.
