Garvin Roberson
Garvin E. Roberson, born April 6, 1952, in Milan, Tennessee, was inducted into the Indiana Football Coaches Hall of Fame on June 24, 2000, in recognition of his outstanding achievements as both an athlete and coach. A 1970 graduate of Elkhart High School, Roberson’s name remains etched in local sports history as one of the school’s most versatile and decorated competitors.
At Elkhart, Roberson excelled as a three-sport athlete—football, basketball, and baseball—and distinguished himself on both offense and defense for the football team from 1967 to 1969. His 1968 team posted a perfect 10-0 record, claiming the state championship title. He earned team MVP honors in 1969 and went on to become Co-MVP of the 1970 North All-Star Team. Recognized as an All-NIC, All-State, and All-American athlete, Roberson was widely regarded as one of Indiana’s premier high school players of his era.
On the basketball court, he was equally remarkable, earning team MVP honors during both his junior and senior seasons, as well as All-Conference, All-State, and All-American recognition. He graduated as Elkhart’s all-time leading scorer with 1,355 points and was selected to the 1970 Indiana All-Star Basketball Team. A standout student as well, Roberson was a member of the National Honor Society, student council, and served as a class officer.
Roberson accepted a football scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he became a two-time All-Big Ten split end and participated in the 1974 All-American Bowl. After college, he briefly signed with the Washington Redskins before beginning a long coaching career at Elkhart Central High School.
Roberson also led youth programs through the Elkhart County YMCA for 12 years and continues to be remembered as a model of athletic excellence and community leadership.
What will YOU do?
Do not just look at what others have done. They were second-graders at one time, teenagers. They were regular people who decided to be courageous. We all have that choice.
Honoring Our Heritage
Celebrating African American excellence in Elkhart, IN, is more than a tribute; it's a movement that empowers local youth by connecting them with the rich history and achievements of their community. By highlighting the successes of African American leaders, we aim to inspire the next generation to dream big and achieve greatness.
Located in the historic Roosevelt School Building, our initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a source of pride for the Elkhart community. Through educational programs and community events, we foster a deeper understanding of the significant contributions made by African Americans, encouraging young people to pursue their aspirations.
Join Us in Celebrating Heroes
Visit and get involved
The House of Heroes invites students, families, and community members to step inside, learn, and reflect on the people who helped shape today’s Elkhart. Educators, churches, and organizations are encouraged to schedule group visits, use the space for storytelling and discussion, and connect these histories to the challenges and opportunities of the present.
Visitors are also invited to nominate future honorees whose lives reflect the same spirit of service, courage, and community building seen in the House of Heroes. In this way, the room remains a growing, living tribute to the Black leaders who keep moving Elkhart forward.
