Hall of Fame

Otto Bob

Bob Otto

  • Class
  • Induction
    1990
  • Sport(s)

Mankato State

Robert "Bob" Otto served MSU for thirty years, coaching MSU grid teams from 1953 until 1969. Under his guidance, his teams built a 74-70-4 record during that time and captured five Northern Intercollegiate Conference titles (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1968) and placed in the league's first division every season. He also served as the school's men's basketball coach for one season, leading the 1954-55 club to an 18-4 mark.

Otto was named MSU's men's Director of Athletics in 1970 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1983.

The Fort Dodge, Iowa native was a member of the MSU, the Northern Intercollegiate Conference and North Central Conference Halls of Fame. MSU's Highland Arena was renamed in his honor (Otto Arena) in 1991.
 
A noted athlete during his college career, Otto was a member of the famous "Iron Men" football teams at the University of Iowa from 1939-41. He graduated from Iowa in 1947 and also earned a master's degree from Iowa in 1948. Following graduation, he served as AD and football coach at Buena Vista College from 1948-53.