Thiel College Athletics

Robert Strimer’s first three years of football (1932, 1933, 1934) were played at offensive and defensive end. In 1934, he caught a 48-yard touchdown pass to defeat Geneva 12-7, which earned him a spot on the All-District Team.

1935 found Strimer in the backfield at quarterback. He led the team to a 4-2 season and was heralded as a great break-away runner and top in kick-offs and punt returns. A highlight of the season came against Grove City. Chuck Snyder passed the ball from his own three yard line to Strimer on the fifteen yard line. Strimer raced for 85 yards for the winning score. His ability won him a backfield position on the All-Time Thiel Football Team.

Strimer’s athletic ability did not stop at football. He was a starting forward on the men’s basketball team all of his four years at Thiel. He was captain in 1934 and 1935, leading his teams to 9-6 and 12-6 seasons. He was selected to the All-District Team his senior year. He was consistently one of Thiel’s leaders and his quickness made him outstanding on defense.

In the spring of 1934, 1935 and 1936 he turned his attention to tennis and excelled in singles and doubles on a fine Thiel tennis team. In recognition for his ability as an athlete and his fine academic achievements, he was named Best Male Student-Athlete in 1935.

The Thielensian said of Bob Strimer: “When he goes, Thiel will say farewell to an athlete and a man who possessed and shared the true Thiel fighting spirit in sports and the Thiel spirit of friendliness on the campus.”