SSHOF Inductee Bob Milnes with presenters Mayor Misty Buscher and SSHOF President Kevin O’Dea
Swimming coach, Bob Milnes was a 1958 graduate of Chicago Heights Bloom High School. Bob served as Springfield High School’s swimming coach from 1965 to 2010, building one of the most successful programs in Illinois history. Under his leadership, Springfield High won an impressive 31 sectional championships—17 for the girls and 14 for the boys—including dominant streaks of 10 consecutive boys’ titles from 1992 to 2001 and 10 straight girls’ titles from 1991 to 2000. His 1975 team placed ninth at the state meet, the highest finish in school history.
Bob also founded the girls’ program in 1980, leading them to seven consecutive sectional titles. He guided Springfield swimmers to 19 all-state performances, including standouts like Chris Grider, a state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1985, and five-time all-stater Darren Volle. The girls’ program produced 16 all-state performances, with top finishes from Julia McDonald, Emily McAuliff, and Lindsay Wolter.
