Bob Hunter's Helping Hand
Since that first day of PE, You believed in #7
So, I believed in me.
Thanks, Mr. Hunter - steve
What follows is what was printed in the program when Miller's gym was named after him on June 6, 1999.
Robert N. Hunter began his illustrious teaching career in 1960 at Joaquin Miller Junior High in the Cupertino Union School District. He was a young man of 28, who, before coming to Miller was a First Lieutenant in the Armed Forces, Infantry Division.
During his 39 years as a physical education teacher and coach at Miller, he became something of a local legend. The number of students who benefited from his untiring dedications easily reaches into the thousands.
Besides helping to run an incredibly successful after-school sports program, he was a mentor and a friend. The friendships that developed between him and his students have endured long after they've left Miller. He was always available to help and support students and ex-students at anytime of the day or night--at school and at home. Visits from students and ex-students are still never a surprise, but always a pleasure. His wife told us that her husband's proudest possession is the stack of letters he has received over the years, in that they attest to the fact that he has been instrumental in helping students to do and be their best, not just in athletics, but in the world.
His own achievements are remarkable. He helped found Cupertino's remedial physical education program for students with permanent or temporary physical disabilities. He received the PTA's Honorary Service Award in 1976, Miller's yearbook was dedicated to him in 1980, and he was California's Junior High School Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1994.
His most prized award, however, comes from former students who, after four years at Lynbrook High School, named him the most influential teacher they had encountered in their twelve years of schooling. One of these students went so far as to donate $5,000 to Miller's Physical Education program and others contributed money for new wrestling uniforms.
Finally, when he retired, Miller's new gym was named the Hunter gym in his honor.
HUNTER'S HELPING HAND STORY BY JACQUELINE CATHCART
HE REACHES out his large hand and grasps a small one. The strength is transferred. And in this exchange a blind child swims; a boy who couldn’t tie his shoes is on the trampoline; another in a leg cast bowls; a potential dropout has a good time at school.
The man who provides and nourishes this kind of magic is Robert Hunter, Coordinator for the Adaptive Physical Education Program of the Cupertino Union School District, funded by the State of California. He believes that every kid should be “King of a Mountain:’ He must find what mountain, what mountain he can climb. And Mr. Hunter intends these special children will reach the top, and each feel that moment of triumph.
BOB HUNTER came to the school district ten years ago, a young P.E. teacher in search of a job. A graduate of Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, he remembered his days in the service, and how much he liked the San Jose area. So why not move his family to California! He quickly earned the respect of students and parents with his positive attitude about what young people could achieve and a determination to see that they did, One boy sums it up “He’s tough but he’s fair,” He inspired his boys to perform to capacity and to feel important as young men. He uses these same talents now in an unusual physical education program “adapted” to boys and girls with particular needs.
THE PROGRAM is designed to “meet individual needs” arising from polio, heart conditions, asthma, allergies, inferiority, discipline, injured muscles, problems both major and minor. No P.E sit-outs here Mr. Hunter hurries to explain, “We don’t have any discipline problems in this class” Such problems tend to diminish when you help someone else with a more obvious problem where there is little competition, where the goal is like yourself, and when you know you are liked.
Kids need a boost of confidence” It carries over into all their schoolwork. And he tells of a child whose success has promoted a three-year improvement in reading in the last year
For only the positive is emphasized. No one is forced, no grades involved. The idea is to offer the child something he wants to do, to get exercise from activity, to learn a skill he can use in later life, to have fun doing something he likes,
THE PERSONAL magnetism of the man inspires this kind of desire, “You can do it. Want to ride a bike? You want archery today? O.K.” And if it means setting up the archery equipment for just one, it gets done. If it’s important to the student, it’s important to Mr. Hunter.
It took six to eight weeks to get a blind child in the swimming pool, One day he seized a hand and ran through the water, laughed and squealed, delighted, living! He now goes down the slide in the pool, a boy who couldn’t manage before.
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Thank you very much to everyone who wrote such nice messages. I'll be happy forever,
Coach Hunter
Happy birthday Mr. Hunter! Like many others, you truly inspired me to find in myself the dedication it takes to succeed on the playing field and in life. I have done my best to honor that inspiration by passing it on to the kids I coach and my own children. Hope you have a great day and many more to come!
Thanks Cake4Kids for celebrating Mr Hunter's 80th Birthday with one of your
special cakes.
I still hear Mr. Hunter telling me in gymnastics class, "Do it like your Mama is watching."
Of course you couldn't get closer to the girl you were dancing with than 12 inches, if Mr Hunter caught you - Worlds greatest Principal, educator, citizen you could have for a role model.
I still remember Mr Hunter teaching us social dance on rainy days in the MultiPurpose room. "I'm not asking you to marry each other, just dance together!"
I was a 7th grader at Miller Jr. High in 1962 and had Mr. Hunter as my P.E. teacher. Today , at age 60, I run 5 miles a day. Mr. Hunter was the first person to instill in me the need to keep myself physically fit. I had many good teachers/profs in my high school and college days but I would say that Mr. Hunter is the one I remember most fondly. Happy birthday Mr. Hunter...when I go out for my run tonight I'm going to take an extra lap in your honor.
Happy Birthday Mr. Hunter! It was great to have you as a PE teacher and after school sports coach! You made a difference!!
Sincerely,
Little Barone or Trouble (is what you used to call me)!
When I first met Mr. Hunter I didn't know if I was going to be able to handle his motivational tactics. Well it didn't take long for me to realize that this coach/teacher would always get my best effort. I tell people, friends and kids stories of Mr. Hunter to this day. I was lucky enough to have him coach me in P.E., football, wrestling and track back in 1977 and 78. If Mr. Hunter reads this, Thank You for everything. Rik Thomas
I was not much of a student, but I was great in PE and was lucky to have Mr. Hunter. He taught me some life lessons that I will never forget. They actually ran through my mind while in the Marines, hearing Mr. Hunter say, "You ain't throwing up Knuckahead, you just keep running." He made me push and push and push, but it was for a good reason. Mr. Hunter, if you are reading this, thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Your Community Hero: Bob Hunter
What a great article! I am proud and privileged to work at Miller and get to tell stories about Mr. Hunter to my students every year. All they know is that the gym is named after him. I love to tell them two things Mr. Hunter used to say: "Black is Beautiful" (for remembering which way to face the hurdles in track) and "My grandmother is a 102 and can do better splits than you!" (grandmother's age changed almost every day and you can take out the word splits and replace with any other physical activity!). He was an inspiring person who made my time at Miller special and made me want to come back to inspire other students. I only hope that one day I can be a fraction of what he was to generations of students. - April Goodman-Orcutt '82-83
I met Mr Hunter as a sixth grader competing for Miller gymnastics, he called me Little One for as long as I've known him. He introduced me to the trampoline and taught me how to do back flips. I think this was the only year Miller allowed sixth graders to compete in Jr. High. Happy Birthday and many more!!
I remember Mr. Hunter from Miller, and Kim Hunter was in my class of ’77. One time at Lynbrook when Kim and I ran together in PE, she conveyed to me that her dad had taught her that if she doesn’t sweat she didn’t work hard enough; I was so impressed! What a wonderful story! -Pam
He taught me about "Compassion" something I never knew I had in me.
He is one man who has influenced thousands of children (and probably parents too). I believe he is a great inspiration for anyone who works with children.
"MR HUNTER" that is what we called him. He helped all of us work hard in GYM. A great man!
I live in Northern California, 57 yrs old and graduated from Vallejo Senior High School, class of 1972. I participated in various sports all of my life, but was never a stand out athelete. I wish there was a Mr. Robert N. Hunter in my life.
After reading Sandlot Hero, Hunter's Helping Hand, I was moved to tears. Why? I felt so emotional about a man whom indiscriminately has touched so many kids. This man truly gives for the goodness of giving. Galatians 5:13-14 ―For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mr. Robert N. Hunter loves mankind and he lives it every day! For example, the sightless kid in the swimming pool for the first time was overwhelming. It's not about the awards for Mr. Robert N. Hunter, it is about quality of life for all he commes into contact with.
Mr. Robert N. Hunter… Sir… my hat is off to you and I’d like to help support your work.
SteveD
One of my fondest memories: Amidst a gym full of prospective wrestling team hopefuls Coach Hunter blows his whistle and shouts, "Drop and give me 20 you Knucka Heads!" - Tim Browne
Mr. Hunter is a legend! He and my dad worked together promoting athletics and recreation for kids in the Cupertino area. Mr. Hunter made me feel special and called me "Little Lawson". He made every kid feel special. He organized track meets, wrestling tournaments, etc. and it seemed like everybody got an award. He was a man that raised the self-esteem of tons of kids. Educators that are strict and encouraging at the same time are special. He was a huge influence on my life and a positive role model. Coach Hunter is the epitome of what a teacher/coach should be and obviously he is a main reason why education in Cupertino in known nationwide. Congratulations, Mr. Hunter on 80 great years and thanks for your many contributions to the Cupertino Union School District and the Parks and Recreation Department.
Jay Lawson
P.S. I didn't even go to Miller (I went to Kennedy), yet I consider him to have been my coach. What a fantastic Man!!!!
Saturday, August 20 · 2:00pm - 7:00pm
His house in San Jose, CA
Our dad will be 80 on August 18th and we'd like to invite everyone who's known and loved him over the years to help us celebrate. This will be an open house of sorts. so please come by for a short or long visit. We'll provide snacks and drinks and we'd love to have you bring yourselves and your memories and stories. His memory isn't what it used to be--not that he could even remember your name back in the day (Scott's brother, Little One, etc.)--but I think he can still do one-armed push-ups.
If you know someone who'd like to attend and who I may not have invited, please invite them yourself or send me their contact information.
Please let me know if you think you can come by so we'll have a sense of how much food and drink to get.
Thanks,
Donna and Kim
An educator has made an impact when he can be vividly remembered 40 years later......Happy 80th Birthday Mr. Hunter! ~Howard Doi '75
Mr. Hunter got me started in a life-long love of running. I remember he lined us up in 7th grade and walked down the line and told each us what sport he expected us to go out for. When he got to me, he said "you look like a runner, I expect to see you out for track." I started running then and haven't stopped. My proudest running accomplishment was running the Boston Marathon this year after having qualified in 2010. I credit Mr. Hunter with igniting the passion for running in me, that I didn't even know I had. - Steve Beebe '75
A fitting honor and tribute to a great coach, amazing teacher and incredible human being. He helped to shape my life....many decades ago. ~Cliff
I remember him catching me from a gymnastics vault that probably would have had me landing on my head and breaking my neck. Holding me upside down parading me on what not to do and threatening to woop me. Lol wonderful man. ~Jill
...remember the first day I met him at Miller...he had us doing stretches...he told us that everyone of us should be able to touch our toes! Meanwhile, he was bent over with his palms on the floor LOL - Shannon Carr Pable
A Mr. Hunter term of endearment,
"You knuckahead!". Translated meant that he cared about you as he did
with all of his kids....
Jeff Carter Mr. Hunter was my wrestling coach, greatest coach a guy could ask for, please tell Mr. Hunter that Jeff Carter says high, does he have his own FB page? He used to say "Carter you as dumb as a bull" I think my wife would agree :) I graduated from Lynbrook in '92 so I was at Miller in '88.