 MELVIN A. "ROOKIE" REIMER first came to Sam Houston State University in 1934 and for the next four years he worked his way through college. While at Sam Houston he lettered in football and participated in track and tennis for two years. He was graduated from Sam Houston in 1938 with a degree in physical education and with minors in mathematics and biology.
Rookie demonstrated his all-around coaching ability at his first job, coaching all sports at Markham, Texas, from 1938-1939, where his teams all won district championships. After Markham, he moved to Boling, Texas, to coach and teach, until 1941 when he joined the U.S. Navy. At the end of World War II he returned to Boling as coach and teacher, and remained there until 1952 when he entered the life insurance business. In 1955 he was appointed manager of the Victoria District for American-Amicable and by 1974 he was elected Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee. Over the years he has belonged to the Lions Club, Booster Club, Parent Teacher organizations, been a member of the School Board, and served in the local Little League and Cub Scouts. Rookie is a 32nd Degree Mason and also a Shriner. He retired in 1975 and moved to East Bernard where he remains active in the community. In 1975 Rookie Reimer was unanimously elected by his peers to the Sam Houston State University Bearkat Hall of Honor. Melvin and his lovely wife, Ruth, have five children. |
As profiled at April 29, 1989 Distinguished Alumni Banquet