Robert Carver Sears (2004) - Hall of Fame

Robert Carver Sears

Induction:
2004
Class:
1939

A three-time national champion, Robert Sears finished first individually at the NCAA Championships on the horizontal bar and rope climb in 1938 and the parallel bars in 1939. A five-time Eastern champion, he earned First Team All-America honors on the horizontal bar and rope climb in 1938, and the parallel bars in 1939.

An integral component in Army's vast gymnastics success during the 1930s, Sears helped lead Army to runner-up honors at the NCAA Championships in 1939. He went on to additional successes following his graduation from the Academy, winning national AAU titles on both the long horse and parallel bars in 1947.

A member of the Army Air Corps, Sears earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals, along with an Air Commendation Medal, highlighting a highly decorated military career. He was taken Prisoner of War during World War II and would eventually escape his German captors.