Inductees

Robert Ingalls ‘Bob’ Simpson was an American hurdler and track coach.

Born in Bosworth, Missouri, Simpson set several world records in the 120-yard hurdles, equaled the world record in the 220-yard hurdles, and won two gold medals at the 1919 Inter-Allied Games.

Simpson entered the University of Missouri in 1913 and found success as a hurdler. In April 1915, he competed in his first major race, the Penn Relays. He placed second in the 120-yard hurdles but by the end of May of that same year, he placed first in the high hurdles, low hurdles, and the long jump at a Missouri Valley Conference meet. Six years later, in 1919, Simpson won gold in the 110m and the 200m hurdles at the Inter-Allied Games in Paris.

After graduation, Simpson became the University of Missouri’s head track coach. In 1926, he transferred to Iowa State University. While there he coached Ray Conger, a noted mile champion.

He served in the U.S. Army in both World Wars, rising to the rank of Major by 1944.

Simpson was track and field head coach at first the University of Missouri and then Iowa State University, and later in Hungary. He also coached Army athletes.