Hall of Fame
Schabert served Tennessee Tech for 34 years as Sports Information Director and last Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information and Broadcasting until his retirement in 2016. He becomes just the second full-time former sports information director to enter the OVC Hall of Fame (joining Eastern Kentucky’s Karl Park who was elected in 2005).
Schabert was the face of Tennessee Tech athletics and spokesperson for thousands of student-athletes and coaches during his tenure, using his endless supply of energy and exuberance to imagine and initiate programs, services and honors designed to shine a spotlight on the Golden Eagles. Along the way he handled marketing, advertising and promotional duties, told the tales of Tech athletics on television, radio and in print, was a public speaker and emcee throughout the region, and became a familiar figure to three generations of Golden Eagle fans as the on-court host for a majority of Tech basketball on-court promotions.
Over his three decades, Schabert expanded his responsibilities into the digital age, adding the TTUSports.com website, multiple social media channels and the ever-growing and award-winning Golden Eagle Sports Network video operation. He also created the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (to help recognize the scholastic efforts of Tennessee Tech student-athletes), established the President's Awards program (to annually promote the most well-rounded member of each Golden Eagle athletic team) and also established the Man of the Year/Woman of the Year and Outstanding Male and Female Athlete awards. In 2015, he and his staff helped conceive and construct the Golden Wings student-athlete awards, which has also grown into a Tech Athletics tradition.
Schabert won dozens of national publications and writing awards, including "Best in the Nation" from USA Volleyball for his annual media guide six times. In 2004, he was voted the winner of the university's Outstanding Professional Award and in 2008 was inducted into the Hall of Distinction at Minnesota State University (Mankato), one of just two stops in his career journey prior to joining Tennessee Tech athletics. In 2002, Rob represented TTU as a volunteer with the Salt Lake Olympic Committee as a member of the Press Operations staff. In his retirement he has stayed active with college athletics, including volunteering at the OVC Basketball Championship.