FRANKLIN FURNACE – A 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle seems a rather small obstacle to Glenn Robinson.

Saturday, December 25, 1999

FRANKLIN FURNACE – A 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive tackle seems a rather small obstacle to Glenn Robinson.

Even though Robinson is just 5-foot-1 and may be padding the scales when he lists his weight at 130 pounds, he doesn’t see blocking that defensive tackle as his most difficult task in life.

That task has already been overcome.

Robinson was born two months premature when his parents were involved in an automobile accident. His birth weight was 2-pound, 10-ounces.

Doctors told Glenn and Nancy Robinson their infant son probably wouldn’t live more than 24 hours, and if he did, he would be mentally retarded, unable to walk, and confined to a wheelchair or lift.

That was 1967.

Robinson, 32, did live, but he was not unscathed. He was born with cerebral palsy and still walks with the aid of crutches. But his spirit has done nothing but grow stronger with each passing day.

"I spent the first three months of my life in an incubator at Lawrence County General Hospital. There were no rapid development drugs like they have today," Robinson said. "The doctor said the only reason I lived was because I had a strong will to live. I had four operations on my legs by the time I was 10-years old. I guess I was lucky because I got a mild case (of cerebral palsy). It only affected my legs."

Something else developed during Robinson’s early years: a love of football.

Robinson didn’t have much interest in athletics at first because of his inability to participate. But as he grew older, he found other avenues to enjoy the game. One such avenue was coaching.

"It was 17 years ago. For one, I always wanted to play and I never could. Then, I started watching Ohio State and I got real interested in coach (Woody) Hayes. Then when I heard I was going to get to go to Ironton (High School’s handicap classes), I started paying attention to their football team," Robinson said.

"I thought coach (Bob) Lutz would be some guy up on a pedestal. When I met coach Lutz I was kind of surprised at what kind of guy he was. He was a common guy who wasn’t caught up in himself. I thought if he’s a common guy and I’m a common guy, maybe there’s a chance I can do this. I’ve been following his career closely ever since."

Thus began Robinson’s hopes of a teaching and coaching career. After high school, he began attending the Ohio University Southern Campus where he was hoping to take some coaching courses. But he never could find any to fit into his schedule.

But fate took a turn for the better this past summer. Delbert Dixon, the Green Junior High head coach, began attending the same church as Robinson and the two began talking football. Dixon later offered Robinson a chance to coach as a volunteer.

"I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity. I just happened to luck into this. The head coach was a friend of mine and he asked me to help," said Robinson. "I didn’t think it was ever going to happen. It’s the first step. It’s a small one, but it’s a first step."

OUSC offered some coaching classes this fall, but coaching and other conflicts kept Robinson out of the classroom. Still, he was getting some on-the-job training.

"I picked up a few things," Robinson said of his first year in which he served as the offensive backfield coach.

Dixon said Robinson has not only learned a lot this season, but he has been teaching as well, whether he realized it or not. Dixon said Robinson’s enthusiasm and perseverance has been an inspiration to the players and coaches.

"He’s picking up. It’s been a blessing this year for me to watch him. He started in the crow’s nest, but he didn’t feel comfortable, so I told him to come down on the field," Dixon said.

"He helps me a lot, and not just on the football field. He goes with me (to churches) and gives testimony. He always asks me, ‘Where?’ He has every right in the world to complain and he doesn’t. It makes you appreciate life more when he’s around."

And Dixon said Robinson performs his duties despite his handicap and his lack of mobility.

"He’s ready to go every day. He works with the running backs. He runs them through tires, he makes sure they execute their assignments. They respect him like any other coach. He runs his drills," Dixon said. "He’s been run over on the football field and got his nose busted, but he gets right back up and goes at it."

Robinson laughs as he’s getting knocked down.

"I told Jeff Runyon, ‘you can run over me again if you score another touchdown,’ " said Robinson.

Dixon said Robinson uses his handicap as a tool to motivate the players and his positive approach has endeared him to the players.

"He tells them if they really want to do something, they can do it. He gets out and runs the track on his crutches and tells them, ‘If I can run the track, then you can do it.’ He really motivates them," Dixon said.

"But no matter how hard he works them, they treat him with kid gloves. They help him up and down the stairs. There’s a bond and that’s something special."

Robinson laughs at all the attention and concern over his condition. Having dealt with it all his life, it’s become second nature to him.

"For a guy who was supposed to be retarded, I guess I haven’t done too bad," Robinson said with a grin. "I’ve been told for years and years I’d never be able to (coach). You’ve just got to decide you want to do it and put forth all your effort and overcome a lot of obstacles that get in your way. We’re still working on it."

Next obstacle, please.