Robert Riley “Bob” Sawyer returned to his alma mater, Grimsley High School (then Greensboro Senior High), in 1961 and served as coach—and later athletics director—for three decades. Under his leadership, Grimsley’s swimming teams achieved extraordinary success, winning an unprecedented 15 consecutive NCHSAA state titles and 16 straight conference championships in swimming. Beyond his role in the pool, he also coached track, cross-country, and junior varsity football, and played a pivotal role in managing numerous NCHSAA state tournaments and events.

In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to high school athletics, Sawyer was inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1996.

Full obituary linked below.