A triple-threat halfback from Butte, Bob Roach garnered a pair of All-Conference grid selections; honorable mention 1964, and first team lower division in 1965. His best efforts came as a senior, in wins over Northern, running for a pair of touchdowns and passing 58 yards for another; and Western, hauling in a 68 yard TD strike and rushing 27 yards to The House.
Despite missing three games due to injury, he was voted the Hilltoppers’ “Best Back,” finishing his career with 13 touchdowns (8 rushing, 3 receptions, 2 passes). A left-handed pitcher/outfielder on the diamond, Bob led the Saints in hitting and pitching all four years, and was described as one on the program’s greatest all-around baseball players. He batted over .400 three times, with numerous multi-hit games and extra base hits.
On the mound, Roach fired three 1-hitters, five 2-hitters and three shutouts, while pitching 3 wins over MSU (including a 1-hit, 2-0 whitewash) and 4 victories over the UM. Another notable performance was an 11-inning complete game 3-2 loss to Rocky, allowing 6 hits with 15 strikeouts. The Saints won undefeated MCC crowns in 1963-64. Bob also played one year of basketball, as a senior with the 1966 National qualifiers, leaving the Hilltop with 10 varsity letters.
