Hall of Fame
Robert “Pete” Griffin came to FAMU from Columbus, Ohio in 1937. He was a center for the Rattlers and played on their first-ever national championship team in 1938 under head coach William “Big” Bell. Griffin would graduate and return to FAMU in 1944 to join the coaching staff as an assistant. He would remain a coach until 1972 after one season as head coach upon the departure of head coach Jake Gaither.
Griffin was also an instructor at FAMU as well as the track coach. Some of FAMU’s greatest track athletes of all-times came in under him. Bob Hayes and Robert “China Doll” Paremore were two of the outstanding track stars that helped him win seven consecutive SIAC Track & Field Championships.
In the community, Griffin was just as beloved. In the FAMU National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) Griffin would teach thousands of youth how to swim at FAMU’s pool. He was a mentor who nurtured youth to great heights. Additionally, he was nominated to serve on the United States President’s Council on Physical Fitness, as he maintained a slim and fit physique his entire life.
