Bob Murphy taught and coached cross country, indoor track, and spring track and field at St. Joseph Regional since its inception in 1962 until 1973.
Murphy is a lifelong resident of Park Ridge and graduate of Park Ridge HS where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1962, he graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Physical Education. Athletically, he swam and dove for St. Bonnies and also played in the highly competitive college football program where he was voted MVP by his peers.
He and his wife, Judi, were married two weeks when St. Joes first opened it’s doors 50 years ago. They, along with five Xaverian Brothers: Sylvere, Talbot, Firman, Rosarius and Ronan were the first staff at SJR. Bob taught Earth Science and Physical Education and Judi was the secretary to the Principal, school nurse, and coached the first SJR cheerleading squads.
Coach Murphy initiated the first cross country, indoor and outdoor track programs. The team went undefeated for 6 years and won many prestigious meets including the Eastern States Championship and the NJ Catholic HS Conference.
He was instrumental in installing the first all weather track in Bergen County. His track and field team of 1969-70 was voted the finest HS track & field team in the nation by Track and Field News, and was named the Track & Field Team of the Millennium in 2000.
Bob was recently honored as coach of the #1 athletic team in 50 Golden Moments in Sports in SJR history as well as the coach of the #2 athletic team in SJR history of Steve Adams, Bob Brady, and John Long in the shot put relay. Coach Murphy was vigorously involved in attaining college scholarships for numerous SJR track & field athletes.
Coach Murphy earned a Masters Degree Plus in Physical Education at Montclair State College. In 1973 he was recruited by North Rockland High School to head their track program and also coach football. He retired in 2002 after coaching and teaching for 40 years. He and his wife, Judi, just celebrated 50 years of marriage. They have 3 daughters, Meredith, Meigan, & Judith and 9 grandchildren.
