Rogers Honors Legendary Coach Presley Askew
Aggie coaching legend Presley Askew made such a lasting impression on one of his former players, Robert C. Rogers, that Robert set up an endowment in Askew's name to honor his former mentor and coach.
The Presley Askew Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to student-athletes in men's and women's basketball and football who have demonstrated excellence in their academic achievements.
"Coach Askew was a big influence," Robert says. "I was a young man who, at the time, needed some direction in my life, and coach Askew provided that to me. He was a hard taskmaster to play for, which in turn helped me become a well-rounded individual. Coach Askew taught me a lot about being an honest, responsible and straightforward person, and for that I'm extremely grateful."
Askew coached the Aggie men's basketball team from 1953 to 1965 with an overall record of 135 wins and 146 losses. His most wins in one season came during the 1959-60 season as the team went 20 and 7, losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Oregon.
Presley Askew Field was dedicated during homecoming ceremonies on Nov. 14, 1981, in honor of the former Aggie baseball and basketball coach. Askew is still revered as one of the greatest coaches in Aggie history.
"Our family very much appreciates the generous contribution Bob Rogers has made," Presley Askew Jr. says. "Dad was a caring person, and he would be very pleased to know that a former player is doing so much in his name to help others."
Robert played for two years in Las Cruces under Askew from 1962 to 1963. After college, Robert had a successful career in the elevator industry for 41 years. Now retired, Robert lives in Florida with his wife, Margaret.