On February 5, 2021, Roberto “Robby” Rodriguez passed away at the age of 49. He left behind his wife Tracy, four kids Juliana, Leah, Jacob, and Kaitlyn, as well as numerous family and friends.
Robby as a 1990 graduate of Whiting High School and a three-sport standout for the Oilers. He was selected as the 1990 Northwest Indiana Times Tim Bishop Memorial Athlete of the year – the first Oiler to receive such an honor.
His senior year, Robby was the leading scorer in the Region with 152 points. He gained over 1500 yards on 310 carries in 1989 and was in the top five all-time for career leading rushers in the entire Region – a ranking that stood for nearly two decades.
To ensure Robby’s legacy continues on, Whiting Football is proud to announce the creation of the Robby Rodriguez Memorial Offensive MVP. This award will be given to an outstanding offensive player at the end of each season. The award will be displayed in the trophy case outside of Memorial Gymnasium.
Furthermore, we are proud to announce the creation of the Whiting Football Hall of Recognition. The Hall of Recognition will be located in the varsity locker room in the athletic complex. Here, images, jerseys, and other memorabilia will be displayed for future generations of Oilers to marvel in the history and tradition of our great program.
Tonight, we invited the family and friends of Robby to help us celebrate his career and to unveil the first piece of memorabilia to be included in the Whiting Football Hall of Recognition.
First, are replicas of the helmet stickers worn by every player on the 2021 team. These replicas will be displayed in the stadium to honor Robby throughout the 2021 season.
Finally, the framed 34 jersey that bears the name Rodriguez will forever be hung in the Hall of Recognition identifying Robby’s place in our program’s storied history and may his name be included with the greats – Fritz, Kopcha, Oliver, Mateja, Kovachic, Vetroczky, Barsich, Strabavy, and now, Rodriguez.
It is our honor to recognize and remember one of the greats: #34 Robby Rodriguez.
Once an Oiler, always an Oiler.