Former Ohio State kicker, punter and quarterback Bob Atha passed away Tuesday following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.
A Worthington, Ohio native, Atha spent his first three college seasons as a backup behind star quarterback Art Schlichter and placekicker Vlade Janakievski from 1978-80 — but his senior year gave him the spotlight he’d been waiting for.
In 1981, Atha stepped into the starting placekicker role while continuing to serve as Schlichter’s backup at quarterback, ultimately finishing as Ohio State’s leading scorer with 88 points on 13 field goals, 43 extra points and a touchdown.
His signature moment in scarlet and gray came October 24, 1981, at Ohio Stadium, when he connected on five field goals in a 29-10 win over Indiana. It’s a school record he still shares with Mike Nugent (against NC State in 2004), Josh Huston (Texas in 2005) and Devin Barclay (Miami Hurricanes in 2010), according to Eleven Warriors.
Atha also saw time under center throughout his career, completing 20 of 41 pass attempts for 264 yards and a touchdown.
After his time in Columbus, he played professionally with the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Cardinals before returning home to Worthington, where he spent decades in his family’s oil and gas business.
Needless to say, his passing quickly led to a stream of tributes on social media.
“My first OSU game was his 15-point game against Indiana in 1981. Wishing his family peace and comfort,” one fan wrote in a post on X.
“Sorry to hear that, sincere condolences played against him in HS, great athlete,” someone else wrote.
“Sad news. Bob was a great man & Buckeye. Had a great run with the family oil & gas business. May he Rest In Peace and the whole Atha family remember all the great times he provided to the wider family and assorted relatives,” another fan added.
“Rest in peace to a true legend, Bob Atha. Your impact won’t be forgotten. Praying for your family and loved ones during this time,” another user wrote.
He will not soon be forgotten by his friends, family, and the Ohio State football community.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.