Shepherd University Athletics

Terpening was a four-year starter on the defensive line under the tutelage of Coach Jesse Riggleman.  In the early 1960's there were few assistant coaches and Bob was perceived by his peers to be a "coach on the field." Legendary Shepherd football coach, Walter Barr, was a teammate of Terpening.  Barr offered the following: "Bob was a big strong player who loved the game of football.  During his era, lineman received little recognition and statistics on lineman were almost nonexistent. The only way to evaluate a lineman was by the size of his heart, and Bob had an enormous heart."  Richard Judd, one of Bob's professors at Shepherd, said "Bob was disciplined.  He knew what it meant to win, and the lessons one must learn when a loss occurs."  During a 12-year career (1965-76) as a successful high school teacher and coach at Baltimore City College High School, Bob began his career in professional football, in 1970, grading college films for the Baltimore Colts.  This would initiate a continuous upward spiral for Terpening in the Colts' organization.  Eventually Bob would be promoted to the Director of Player Personnel position and subsequently to his present position as Executive Vice President of the Indianapolis Colts.  Ted Marchibroda, former Colt head coach, said "Bob Terpening has my utmost respect as a football administrator but, more importantly, we enjoy a deep-rooted friendship based on that same respect."