Jack Kaley
Hall of Fame – Induction Class of 2021
Jack Kaley made his mark at Robinson High both on the football field and the basketball court. In 1944, he rushed for 1,337 yards, led Illinois in scoring with 149 points, and earned All-State honors in football. On the basketball court, he averaged 23 points per game, showing the same drive and skill he brought to every sport.
After high school, Jack served two years in the Army, continuing to play basketball until 1947. He went on to play football at Georgia Tech for a year before transferring to Drake University, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
Jack’s love of sports led him into coaching. In 1951, he became the basketball coach at Estherville Iowa Junior College and later served as assistant football and head baseball coach at Eastern Illinois University. While at EIU, Jack also answered a calling to ministry, becoming a United Methodist pastor. His congregations affectionately referred to him as “Coach,” a nod to both his leadership on the field and in life.
Jack believed in more than just winning. “Winning is a sweet cut,” he said, “but success depends a lot on attitude.” That mindset guided both his coaching and his ministry, leaving a lasting legacy in every community he touched.
David Steele
Hall of Fame – Induction Class of 2021
David Steele was a true all-around athlete at Robinson High, lettering in football, basketball, and track. On the football field, he earned All-Wabash Valley and All-Eastern Illinois Conference honors. In 1945, he ran a 107-yard touchdown, one of many memorable plays in his high school career.
David’s speed was legendary. He set the school record in the 100-yard dash with a time of 10.79 seconds, a record that stood until 1983.
Years later, Coach Sockler remembered David not just for the touchdowns he scored, but for the ones he set up for others. In one famous play against Oblong, David ran the ball all the way down the field and stopped at the one-yard line, letting his teammate Jack Kaley score and set the state record for touchdowns. “He was the most unselfish athlete I ever coached,” Coach Sockler said.
David’s combination of talent, speed, and team-first attitude made him a standout in Robinson High’s athletic history.
Mike Steele
Hall of Fame – Induction Class of 2021
Mike Steele was a standout on the basketball court from the moment he stepped onto it at Robinson High. Over his four-year career, he racked up 1,232 points and led the team in rebounds every single year. Mike served as co-captain for three years, showing leadership both on and off the court.
He earned first-team honors in the Eastern Illinois Conference in 1970, the Apollo Conference in 1971, and was named First Team All-Southern Illinois by the Evansville Courier. In his senior year, he was selected All-State in 1972.
After high school, Mike went on a basketball scholarship to Purdue University. He was part of the 1974 Purdue team that won the NIT Championship and later earned a spot on the All Big Ten Academic Team in 1976.
Coach Jack Reeder, reflecting on three decades of coaching, called Mike “the best player I ever coached.” He was not just a great player, but a true leader on the court and a coach on the floor. In 1995, Mike was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Justin Stone
Hall of Fame – Induction Class of 2021
Robinson High School – Class of 1994
Justin Stone was a standout on the Robinson High baseball team from his sophomore through senior years, helping the Maroons compile a 63-28 record. He played a key role in winning regional championships in 1993 and 1994, a sectional championship in 1993, and reaching the state finals in 1993, with a return to the sectional finals in 1994.
A consistent performer at the plate, Justin led the team with a .446 batting average going into the state final game. As a junior, he was the starting shortstop on a team that won 15 of 16 games heading into the Elite Eight.
Justin went on to play baseball at Indiana State, and he has remained connected to his hometown. Former coach Mike Shimer recalls, “Justin Stone is recognized as one of the finest baseball players to ever come through the Robinson High School Baseball program. He was a leader on and off the field and has gone on to great things while still giving back to the baseball program here in Robinson.”
