Bobby Pettigrew

Only a handful of Howard County athletes have captured as many as two individual state championships and Bobby Pettigrew is a member of that elite group. Pettigrew won back-to-back state shot put titles at Kokomo High School. His first title, in 1994, was instrumental in the Wildkats winning their first IHSAA track and field championship in 57 years.

Pettigrew won his first IHSAA gold medal with a school-record toss of 62 feet, 2 1/4 inches. He followed that with his second state title, a throw of 63-6 1/4 that at that time was the third-longest winning mark ever in state meet competition that began in 1904. That effort remains a Kokomo-area all-time best.

Pettigrew excelled in football as well. Known for his versatility, he was a three-year, two-way starter, claiming MVP honors as a senior. A linebacker on defense, Pettigrew began his senior campaign as an offensive guard, but was moved to fullback where the 6-foot-1, 240 pounder was a lethal blocking back. He also rushed for eight TDs with an 8.1 yard per carry average.

A member of the Indiana Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame, Pettigrew works for Kokomo schools and is an assistant coach in the varsity football and track programs.