Robert Hicks, Class of 1955

Robert Evans Hicks epitomized the qualities our Sport Hall of Fame most seeks to honor: athletic prowess and academic excellence joined with a commitment to sportsmanship and school services. He earned seven varsity letters in soccer and wrestling, and received prestigious Winant Cup honoring the most outstanding student-athlete in both his junior and senior years.

Bob began his varsity soccer career in 1952, playing for his father, coach Evan Hicks ’25, whom he now joins in the Hall. He helped power coach Ozzie Rand’s 1953 team to the state championship, then led the 1954 squad in scoring with 12 goals. His last dramatic Peddie tally sailed into the Blair net with one minute left in regulation to lift Peddie to a 2-1 victory in the season finale.

Even more distinguished as a wrestler under Coach Robert Tifft, Hicks captured the state title during his sophomore and junior years. In the 1954 finals, he beat the Pingry opponent who had knocked him out of the undefeated ranks earlier in the season, claiming the gold medal and being named “outstanding wrestler” of the tournament. Undefeated in dual meet competition as captain during 1955, Hicks had to settle for second place at the state meet, narrowly missing a three-peat for the title.

Bob also expressed his passion and intelligence for sports as an eloquent advocate for school spirit in Peddie News sports columns that bespoke a deep appreciation of history affection for his school. When he brought his grace and athleticism to Princeton University, he led the Tigers to the Ivy League soccer title in 1957 and garnered First-Team All-Ivy recognition at forward.