Robert Gaeta

Robert Gaeta was one of the outstanding baseball players in Wayne State history. Robert attended Wayne State from 1963-67 and played varsity baseball those four years. As a third baseman in 1964, Robert was voted first team NAIA All-America, the only sophomore to achieve that honor. In that year, Robert batted a hot .400, swinging for five homers, two triples, and a total of 24 hits in 64 times at bat. In 1965 and 1966 Robert was voted an Honorable Mention NAIA All-America as an outfielder. During his four year stint at WSC, he was also voted NAIA All-District and All-Conference for all four years.

After leaving WSC, Robert went on to the University of South Dakota and earned a master of arts degree in Physical Education and Secondary School Administration. At the time of his induction, Robert was the senior underwriter for the Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of Nebraska in Omaha.

Robert remained very active in athletics as a coach and as a participant. During the summer he coached youth flag football and baseball, and competed in softball and racquetball. In 1979 he was second in regional racquetball competition, and in 1980 qualified in the senior division for national competition.

Bob and his wife Dolores have been avid supporters of WSC. They have established the Bob and Dolores Gaeta Endowed Scholarship Awards Program for Native Americans and Bob has been active in the organization and participation of the Omaha Alumni Golf Tournament. They have been Wayne State Foundation's Presidents Society members in addition to supporting WSC in many and varied ways.

Gaeta was inducted into the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame October 11, 1980.