Bob Hitchens

Bob Hitchens (born c. 1952) was a college football running back at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio from 1971–1973.

College career

Bob Hitchens’ number 40 displayed at Yager Stadium. Hitchens is one of three football players to have his jersey retired by Miami University

Hitchens received all-Mid-American Conference honors as a tailback for three player on the team, the offensive player of the year in the Mid-American Conference, Miami University's athlete of the year, and gained All-America honors from the Associated Press. Hitchens had one season with 326 carries for 1,370 yards and 15 touchdowns (90 points). Hitchens had career statistics of 773 rushing attempts for 3,118 yards and 34 touchdowns (204 points). Many of Hitchens records at Miami University were later broken by Travis Prentice, including Hitchens school record of 15 touchdowns in a season.

Hitchens played under Coach Bill Mallory for three years. Hitchens helped lead Miami to an 11-0 season as a co-captain his senior year in 1973 that included a Mid-American Conference title and a Tangerine Bowl victory over the University of Florida. Hitchens football jersey number 40 was retired, making him the second player to be honored following John Pont. Ben Roethlisberger became the third player to have his number retired at Miami University. Hitchens was inducted into the Miami University Hall of Fame in 1980.

Professional career

Following graduation, Hitchens played professional football for two years with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Coaching career

Hitchens served as an assistant football coach and helped lead Carnegie-Mellon University to three President's Conference championships and two semi-final finishes in the NCAA District III playoffs. He joined Miami's staff as an assistant football coach from 1980 to 1987.