Dr. Shaw recognized by Willow Springs School District

For the first season in forty years, a familiar face is missing from the Willow Springs Bears sidelines. Dr. Robert Shaw was the team physician for the school district for nearly 400 varsity football games. This school year is the Bears' first season without him since 1982.

During the home game Friday night on Palenske Field, Willow Springs paused to honor their native son and valedictorian of the Willow Springs High School Class of 1971.

"Dr. Shaw's presence at Willow Springs events has provided comfort to all coaches, athletes, and parents," said Athletic Director Robert James Friday night. "[He has] been in attendance for hundreds of other Willow Springs athletic events including basketball, volleyball, track, cross-country and baseball."

James' remarks centered on Dr. Shaw's generosity and years of service. 

"During Dr. Shaw's 40 years, he provided thousands of physical examinations for our athletes," James said. "He treated athletes with minor injuries, broken bones, severe concussions, and medical emergencies in the crowd. Dr. Shaw has performed these duties with the highest level of professionalism and kindness, and asked nothing in return. His devotion to our school's athletic programs is second to none."

"He did all this for free. He never asked for anything except some Chinese food when we would go to away games," Shaw's longtime friend and colleague Brent Colley told Howell County News.

"He is so athletically-minded," Colley said. "Everything he does, he does with passion and everything he's got whether, it's kayaking or being a physician. He could tell you real quick and

accurately whether a kid was too hurt to play or if he could go back in, and he was always right. He never took a chance on a head injury or something like that. But he would know. There was just a lot of trust there."

In his remarks, Colley pointed out how much a physician's family must give to a community when their husband and father serves as team physician for decades. 

"They have shared Bob with our community which includes having to endure interrupted dinners, parties, ball games". Janet, with such a sweet spirit about her, has sacrificed many hours so Robert could help others, and we all know he couldn't have done it without a loving, supportive, and caring spouse to be there for him and the kids," Colley added. 

Dr. Shaw accepted a plaque Friday night with his wife, Janet, at his side.