Rochester, New York, Section V Football Hall of Fame

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH on behalf of ROBERT J. BRIGGS

Given by

James K. Densmore

April 1^st, 1999

I have been asked by Bob’s family to accept this award and to say a few words on behalf of Bob...You see, on May 5th, 1997 a Tall Sturdy Oak Fell... I spoke with Bob 3 days before his "Graduation" from this world. He had just begun a new job on Captiva Island, FL managing an island resort. He shared with me that he had finally found "Utopia"..that he had the best position in the world..that he had finally arrived!!

Bob Briggs touched many of us. He lived here in Monroe County and attended Brighton High School, participating in numerous activities excelling in Golf, Basketball and had a special passion for FOOTBALL. Bob’s football coach was Herb Carlberg, who according to Bob, gave him the instrumental foundation for not only his spectacular football career, but his life-long career....Living Life!!!

Bob learned quickly from Coach Carlberg and in his Senior year was awarded The Gordon Gibbons Lineman of The Year Honors.

The team wanted to honor Bob so badly that for the final game of his High School career they devised a play for this Formidable Lineman to take the ball into the end zone. The ball was on the 10 yard line and THE PLAY , which caught everyone off guard was called. Suddenly, Bursting through the line was this hulk of a man grinding toward the end zone...The original "REFRIGERATOR" was stopped just short of the touchdown. The next play, The Fullback, Tom Southworth scored.

Now came the extra point try and in the huddle it was unanimous....Bob was to carry the ball....Briggsey said..."There will be NO Stopping me!!!"...and he was right....he scored on the final play of that 1962 Football Season...Bobs’ last High School Game...here in Monroe County..

Bob has been described as a Gentle Giant, A Giant Among Men, A Tender, Caring Teacher, Coach, Councilor , Friend...... He married, had 4 children..3 boys..Brian, Brady, Kevin and a daughter..his beloved Katey..Who was Bob’s Pride and Joy...She was so very special to him..you see, Katy was born Hydrocephalic..Bob shared with me that one of his greatest accomplishments did not take place on the gridiron, but right in his own home....... the day he taught his young daughter to eat with a spoon.

Bob, like most of us had his "Bumps" in life. It’s how he handled those bumps that set Bob head and shoulders above the crowd!!

I knew Bob not only as a Beloved Friend, but also as a Business Associate. I hired Bob as a manager trainee @ The Olive Garden Restaurants. Bob’s Rapid assention up through the management ranks was unparalleled. He opened and operated numerous restaurants throughout the Midwest and Northeast including the one right here in Monroe County.

The main reason for Bob’s success was his ability to COACH. It Was Truly Amazing!!

Bob would walk into one of his restaurants and head straight for the kitchen, stopping first in the dishwashing area. He would greet the dishwashers by name, ask them how they were doing, always remembering something personal about them from his last visit..he would then move throughout the kitchen and out to the front of the restaurant talking with all employees calling each by name and sincerely listening to each one until he talked with all on duty, he would then go talk with his managers in the same warm, friendly sincere manner.

It was so beautiful to abserve..I asked Bob one day where and how he learned this style of style of management and he would always give credit to his football life...Which began right here in Monroe County @ Brighton High School with Coach Herb Carlberg.

Bob was friends with many in this audience tonight..

When word was received of Bob’s Nomination to this Prestigious Club, the e-mail, telephone and Faxes lite-up..Tonight at least 40 of Bob’s BHS Classmates, Teammates and friends are in attendance and many more have sent their congratulations...

Also included in tonight’s "Celebration" are 4 members of Bob’s Family..who are just Overwhelmed with the thought of just how much their Brother---Father is loved, respected and missed.

At table #4 is Bob’s Sister Sharon Briggs from Gaithersberg MD, herself a 1961 Graduate of BHS and Bob’s 3 sons..Brian, Brady & Kevin, who are now living in Ohio.

After this ceremony I invite, no I ask all of you who knew Briggsey to introduce yourselves to His sister and 3 Sons..

It is with great honor and CELEBRATION that Tom Southworth, Bill Pellatt, Paul Hundredmark & Myself accept this award....IN MEMORY OF YOU "BUCKEY" Thank You........