University of California Athletics

Cal’s head athletic trainer for more than 20 years, Bob Orr helped thousands of student-athletes during his tenure in Berkeley. He arrived at Cal as an assistant athletic trainer in 1964 and moved into the head position in 1970 following the retirement of Jack Williamson, who has was elected into the Cal Hall of Fame in 1992. Perhaps the best way to understand the impact Orr had is to hear from some of the former Golden Bears who received treatment from him. Former track & field student-athlete and Director of Athletics Dave Maggard: “He was considered a physical therapist, advisor and confidant to student-athletes and coaches … a central player in their success.” Track & field star Eddie Hart: “As soon as I got back to Berkeley (with a muscle pull during the 1972 U.S. Championships), I went straight to Bob Orr. And as they say, the rest is history. As a result of his knowledge, I can now say I am an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world record holder.” And from former football player David Ortega: “He was not only our trainer, but a person the players looked to for guidance and help with all aspects of their lives.”