Former VMI Coach Bob Thalman Passes

[kdinva]

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesdispatch/obituary.aspx?n=bob-thalman&pid=155736521

He took over the VMI program for the 1971 season, promised his first recruiting class they would win the SoCon before they graduated, and sure enough with hard work, support from the Admin. and Superintendant, The Keydets were indeed SoCon champs in 1974.

VMI (and The Citadel) were indeed tough sells from the Mid-'60's thru most of the 1970's; but Coach Thalman did it.

[Sir William]

Coach Thalman was a good coach and a fine gentleman. My sympathies and highest regards to the Thalman and VMI families.

[KAUMASS]

I never had heard about Coach Thalman, but reading that he fought in WW2 on Iwo Jima tells me this was one incredible man. Saddened to hear about his passing and I wish I had met him...Godspeed...

[kdinva]

Fine write up about Coach, in the Roanoke Times:

http://www.roanoke.com/sports/college/wb/304378

[SpiderSafety75]

VMI was a difficult opponent every year in those days. Coach Thalman had his charges ready to play every time we faced them. They just came out and hit you in the mouth. From everything I ever heard, he was a first-rate coach, teacher, and man. R.I.P.