As many have heard, Michigan City has suffered a tragedy.
Robert "Bear" Falls died of a heart attack Saturday afternoon in Kentucky while visiting family at the age sixty-three years old. Falls spent forty of those years serving Michigan City Athletics loyally.
Robert Falls was a dedicated, talented athlete at Elston High School, but Falls' athletic career extended past high school when he became a running back for Illinois State University. After an outstanding college career, Falls returned to his hometown of Michigan City to start a coaching career at his beloved high school.
Falls’ career began at Elston High School, before the consolidation. At Elston, he coached under Dan Steinke for each of Steinke's 18 year career with the Red Devils. When Elston and Rogers consolidated into one high school, Bear Falls became the boys’ head basketball coach. After six seasons as has head coach and an overall record of 81-42, Coach Bear Falls became the winningest in Michigan City High School history.
After his twenty years of coaching, Falls took his position in the Athletic Office as Athletic Director. Falls was the school's AD for nine years until his retirement in 2014. He was a respected educator for forty years.
Michigan City undoubtedly lost one of the most influential installments in staff history. Because of Bear Falls, three coaches have set up roots in Michigan City. Girls Basketball Coach Mike Megyese, Boys Basketball Coach John Boyd, and Football Coach Michael Karpinski were all hired by Bob Falls.
Over his years as a coach and athletic director, Falls influenced too many people to count, and all in a good way. Falls pushed his kids to their potential, and knew exactly how to do it. While he expected the very best of his players, he mentored many and helped them to reach their peak.
Falls will be missed by all, but the students of MCHS will always keep him alive in their memories.