Lawson Robertson

After being declared the winner of the 1904 AAU 100 yds, although in a controversial finish (Bill Hogensen probably actually won), as a member of the Irish-American AC, Lawson Robertson was appointed coach of the club in 1909. Although he enjoyed moderate success as an athlete, Robertson will be best remembered as an outstanding coach. He remained as coach of the Irish-American club until 1916 when he took up an appointment at Penn. Robertson remained at Franklin Field for 31 years, except for a brief period during World War I, when he served as a lieutenant in the air service. Robertson was assistant coach to the U.S. Olympic teams in 1912 and 1920 and was head coach in 1924, 1928, 1932, and 1936. Robertson’s most controversial moment as Olympic coach occurred in 1936 when he changed the line-up for the US 4×100 relay at the last moment, replacing Marty Glickman and Sam Stoller with Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe. Glickman and Stoller were both Jewish and some thought that Robertson’s move was to avoid insulting the Nazi’s and their hatred of Jews.

Personal Bests: 100 – 11.0 (1908); 200 – 22.3 (1906).