Reminisces – Rob Hippi

Coach LeBaron was a friend and mentor to me during my time as a high school basketball coach. My dad (Ted Hippi) met Coach LeBaron during a summer session at the U.W. in the early ’50s and they became friends.

When dad left the Rock in 1953 to teach and coach at Centralia, he recommended Floyd for the position at Castle Rock. He was always proud of what Coach LeBaron accomplished, and they remained close throughout their lives. Of course, we will all miss him. He was a very special man.

Dad left Centralia in the spring of ’55 to become the principal and coach (football and basketball) at Toledo. He and Floyd faced off twice on the court.

 Toledo was 20-2 in ’56 and beat CR 76-38 in the opener. We lost the district title to South Bend and didn”t place at state. The next year, Floyd got us 60-50, also in the season opener. Those were the only two times they played each other.