Robert Parker (coach)
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Wharton, Texas, U.S.
Argyle, Texas, U.S.
 Parker in 2000 | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 24, 1960 Wharton, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | April 20, 2021 (aged 60) Argyle, Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Texas A&M |
| Playing career | |
| 1979–1982 | South Plains |
| 1982–1984 | Angelo State |
| Positions | Javelin, decathlon |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1987–1991 | Texas A&M (assistant) |
| 1991-1993 | Highland Park HS (TX) |
| 1993–1994 | UTEP |
| 1994–1998 | Kjell Ove Hauge (personal coach) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| NCAA Championship runner-up: 1994 NCAA Champions: 3 NCAA runners-up: 4 | |
| Records | |
| 2 world records (shot put) | |
Robert Lynn Parker (September 24, 1960 – April 20, 2021) was a college track and field coach for the throwing events at Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at El Paso. He coached several NCAA champions, but was most recognized for coaching the world record holder in the shot put, Randy Barnes.[1]
Parker was born in Wharton, Texas to Arnold Oliver Parker and Carmella Parker. Being an active track and field athlete he attended South Plains junior college in Levelland, Texas. He made All American honors in both javelin and decathlon. He then sought his Bachelor of Arts and Science from Angelo State University (ASU). He graduated from ASU in 1983 with the school record in the javelin. His record throw of 75.24 metres (246.9 ft) is still the school record as the implement rules were changed in 1986. A sports injury stopped his athletic career, and the following year Parker began his coaching and teaching career at Paris High School.[2]
In 1985 Parker moved to College Station, Texas to pursue his Master of Education at Texas A&M University. While there he was a graduate assistant on the Texas A&M Aggies track and field team. Head coach Ted Nelson hired Parker as a full-time assistant coach for the field events in 1987.[3]
Parker lived in Argyle in Denton County, married to Traci (nee Stevenson) and was the father of Tommy Parker, a two time state High School champion golfer.[4][5]
He retired from teaching and coaching in 2000. He then moved into a new career as a financial advisor where he over the coming years worked with such companies as Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, UBS and Wells Fargo.[6]