Bob Hitchens, a 1980 Miami University Hall of Famer and 1974 graduate, passed away on July 7, 2020. Funeral details will be added to this release as we receive them.
 
Hitchens, a three-year letter winner from 1971-73, rushed for 3,118 yards and 34 touchdowns during his Miami career. His highlight season came in 1972, rushing for 1,370 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning All-America honors from the Associated Press and was also named the Mid-American Conference's Offensive Player of the Year.
 
He holds the single game record for most rushes with 45 against South Carolina in 1972 and can be found throughout the Miami record history book. Hitchens ranks fourth in rushing attempts (773), fourth in rushing yards (3,118), third in rushing touchdowns (34), fourth in 100-yard games (14) and is sixth in total scoring (204 points).
 
Hitchens helped lead Miami to an 11-0 season as a co-captain his senior year that included an MAC title and a Tangerine Bowl victory over Florida. His football jersey number 40 is one of just four retired jerseys in Miami history.
 
Following graduation, Hitchens played professional football for two years with the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also served as an assistant football coach and helped lead Carnegie-Mellon University to three President's Conference championships and two semi-final finishes in the NCAA District III playoffs.
 
He also served as an assistant football coach for Miami from 1980 to 1987.