Glazier to be inducted into SJO Hall of Fame

Bob Glazier always had a passion for science.

“Ever since I was in high school, I loved science,” Glazier said. “It’s always changing, always something new. Other subjects don’t change a lot but science is constantly changing.”

Glazier loved science so much that when he graduated Morrison Community High School in 1977 he decided to attend Eureka College and study his favorite subject.

He didn’t stop there.

After graduating from Eureka, he went on to Eastern Illinois University to complete his teaching certificate in 1984. He earned his Master’s degree in Physical Science in 2008 from Eastern Illinois University and was named Distinguished Graduate Student.
Glazier wanted to share his love of science with students and in 1985 was hired to teach Chemistry and Physics at Fairfield Community High School where he also coached football and baseball.

In 1988 he came to the school where he would spend the majority of his career—St. Joseph-Ogden.
Glazier was hired to teach math and chemistry. He also coached baseball and football. Physics was added to his teaching responsibilities and he served as the head of the Science department for many years.

“I enjoy working with kids,” Glazier said. “Seeing them grasp a new concept. The excitement of new discoveries in the world.”
Glazier said he also enjoyed coaching, because like teaching, he got to influence students.

“I enjoyed baseball and football because I got to work with the kids, hopefully making them better,” he said. “My favorite memory from football has to be the close relationship I developed with the players and coaching staff.”

Glazier said that when teaching he would modify his teaching style because not every student could learn the same.

“I had to make adjustments to accommodate those students,” he said.

In football he could be tougher on the kid and push them hard.

“In the classroom, you can’t do that,” Glazier said. “Some kids won’t respond and just shut down. So, a little gentler approach works better.”

Glazier coached baseball for five years and was the defensive coordinator for football for 33 years.

SJO compiled 275 wins and played in five state championship games during his coaching career.

Glazier was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015.

He retired from SJO in 2021.

During retirement, Glazier said volunteers and works on the home he shares with his wife of 41 years, Linda. He also works on the homes of his daughters, Cassie and Jessica.