Elwood Samuel Roberts, II

1949-1998
Known to many as "Coach Elwood," this Atlantic City native and lifelong resident was a devoted football and basketball coach who worked for the Atlantic City Board of Education. Roberts coached the Atlantic City Dolphins for many years as well as the Atlantic City High School Basketball Team and was known for his ability to teach discipline, teamwork, character building and perseverance in the face of obstacles. He was an active member of Police Athletic League (PAL) and numerous children's organizations. Roberts, both mentor and friend to two generations of youth, was respected for his humility, creativity and productivity in working with children. He attended Glassboro State College (Rowan University) and served three years in the United States Navy. As a young adult he worked at the famed Club Harlem. Roberts was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church where he sang in the male chorus and served as a Sunday school teacher.

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A graduate of the Atlantic City public school system himself, Elwood Roberts did everything he could to give back to future generations of the city's students. As a coach for the High School's basketball team, Roberts made sure that school spirit was high for the Vikings, and that everyone on the team had support. Tory Cavalieri, a former member of the team that Roberts coached, said that in addition to providing support and morale, Coach Elwood could also be a disciplinarian. "He made sure everybody was in class. He made sure no one was in the hallways. If he saw you in the hallways, he would make you run at practice. He let no messing around at practice happen," said the player in an Atlantic City Press interview.
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