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Alumni, residents ask Hyde Park board to name FDR field for coach Bob Bragg
Summary
Alumni and longtime residents requested at the Sept. 11 board meeting that the outdoor field at FDR High School be named for longtime coach Bob Bragg, offering to pay for signage; the board said it has discussed the idea and will convene a small group to explore options.
Alumni and residents urged the Hyde Park Central School District Board of Education on Sept. 11 to name the outdoor field at FDR High School after longtime coach Bob Bragg, saying alumni would cover the cost of a sign and asking the board to formalize recognition soon.
The requests came during the public participation portion of the board’s meeting. "We submitted a request in April to the board," said Jeff Hare, identifying himself as an alumnus and longtime local resident, and asking the board to consider naming the field for Robert H. "Bob" Bragg. Several other former players, grandchildren and long-time residents spoke in support, saying Bragg’s teams and leadership still shape local pride.
"Bob Bragg's name is…legendary," said Jennifer Morris, a teacher and FDR graduate, urging the board to make the recognition "permanent and visible." Grandchildren of Bragg described personal memories and the importance of a public tribute. Dan Duffy, a former board member and longtime resident, also urged the district to act.
Board members said the district has been discussing the request and multiple recognition options. A board member said the district "wants to do this. We want to do it well," and proposed creating a smaller working group with board representation to meet with alumni representatives so the parties can move beyond email exchanges.
Speakers who addressed the board offered additional context: the alumni group said it first sent credentials and letters in April and followed up in August; they proposed paying for installation costs and a dedication event. Supporters noted an earlier precedent: the district named the high‑school gym court for Dwayne Davis in December 2014.
The board did not take a formal vote on naming the field at the meeting. Instead, trustees said they would continue conversations, convene a smaller group to explore options (including signage or a plaque), and report back to the petitioners. The board also asked staff to revisit earlier communications to clarify whether prior responses had been interpreted as a rejection.
The board indicated it will share next steps with the alumni group once trustees can meet with a full board or designate a subcommittee for the discussion.
