Chisholm to Rename Court for McDonald

Legendary Coach Guided Bluestreaks for 53 Years

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Bob McDonald is in a class of his own when it comes to Minnesota Basketball Coaches.

“He was here for 53 years, 59 total years of coaching in Minnesota,” said Chisholm Athletic Director Mark Morrison.  “He’s definitely an icon in this state, the only 1,000 win coach we have.”

McDonald’s 1,012 wins are a state record, regardless of sport, which may never be broken.  That’s why Chisholm’s school board recently voted to re–name the basketball court for Coach McDonald.

“What a treasure we have to honor him with, we’re very proud,” said Morrison.

Chisholm’s gymnasium was already named after Harvey Roels, McDonald’s high school coach.  So, the next best thing the school board could do is name the court after Coach McDonald.

“I’m very proud of that, because Chisholm was my whole life,” said McDonald.

Despite spending a total of six years coaching in McGregor and Barnum, McDonald never strayed far from home.

“You know Chisholm was basic beginning for me,” he said.  “I know I was at Barnum and McGregor, but I was always coming back home.  I say home because it was.”

Among the many players McDonald coached were his four sons, who see their father’s legacy on floors across the state.

“It is a great way to show the importance of his legacy, not only for Minnesota basketball, but definitely Chisholm basketball,” said Joel McDonald, Bob’s son and head coach at Hibbing High School.

The elder McDonald is also proud.  Not just of his children, but of all his players.

“I had good kids play for me, my own, but I was just as proud of the kids who weren’t my own paying for me as I was my own,” said McDonald.

Thanks to the Chisholm’s school board, McDonald’s legacy Will live on.