Celebration of life April 16 for "Stretch" Roberson
ARDEN E. “STRETCH” ROBERSON CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, April 16, at 10:30 a.m.
Ohio Northern University’s English Chapel
Followed by a buffet in the ONU's McIntosh Center
Arden E. “Stretch” Roberson, BSEd '49, H of F '75, a U.S. Navy Veteran, served in World War II from 1944-46 before graduating from Ohio Northern University in 1949 with a degree in health and physical education. He later earned a Master of Science in education from Kent State University.
After graduating from ONU, Roberson started the football program at Huron High School in 1949, and from 1950-55, he coached football, basketball and track in Mentor, Ohio. From 1956-57, he coached football and track at Massillon High School, and from 1958-59, he coached football, basketball and track at Baldwin-Wallace.
Roberson returned to ONU in 1960 as an associate professor of health and education and the head football coach. He led the Polar Bear football team until 1969. After his coaching career, he continued serving the University as an associate professor of health and education until his retirement in 1984.
Roberson was inducted into Ohio Northern’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975 and was a proud member of the “N” Men’s Alumni Association, for which he served on the Board of Directors. In 2008, Roberson was named associate professor emeritus. In 2004, Dial-Roberson Stadium opened on ONU’s campus, named in part for Roberson.
After his retirement from ONU, Roberson remained active with all aspects of the University and the village of Ada, particularly the sports programs. His dear wife, Fran, preceded him in death in 2000. His presence will be dearly missed on campus.
Roberson has a son, Michael Roberson, BA ’77, and a daughter, Terry (Roberson) Monroy, BA ’81.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Michael E. High was a millwright
- Ada School board meeting scheduled for June 30
- Put a little more Ada in the Icon
- Big CAT makes short work of Main St. home
- Eight vehicle injury crash on I-75 near Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
- Anna Marie Beagle taught at Allen East Elementary
- Updated trash pickup times during extreme heat
- Noteworthy dress rehearsal and concert with potluck, June 23 and 29
- Unconstitutional presidential action
- Hardin County Commissioners send letter objecting to HB 335
- Canvases create Ada Public Library art gallery
- Ada Athletic Boosters, Pony Pals Horse Club consult with Park board
- Upcoming APL events, June 23-28