Coach Tyler’s Impact Extends Far Beyond The Gridiron
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Coach Bob Tyler and his wife, Dale Tyler, unveil the new sign at the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery during a dedication at the facility Monday.
ENID LAKE – Dozens of friends, family members and wildlife workers gathered Monday for the dedication of the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery at Enid Lake. Formerly known as the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) opened the facility that includes a Visitor’s Education Center, regional law enforcement office, fish hatchery and holding ponds in 2008.
State lawmakers approved a bill during the 2023 Legislative Session authorizing the hatchery to display the name of the longtime MDWFP employee. The unveiling of the new sign Monday, Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery, follows years of strong commitment by Coach Tyler to make the location the premier fish hatchery and aquatic education center in Mississippi.
“This occasion serves as a heart-felt tribute to a beloved native son in Mississippi and his extraordinary achievements,” MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey shared in opening comments Monday.
Coach Bob Tyler’s former player and longtime friend, Rockey Felker (standing), shared how special the Tyler family has been to him over the last five decades.
“Coach Bob Tyler, a name that resonates with unparalleled passion and unwavering dedication, has imprinted himself into the foundation of our great state.”
Posey also cited Coach Tyler’s longtime commitment to Mississippi’s natural resources, but his lasting impact on countless lives was heralded by speaker after speaker that followed.
“He has coached so many people all over this state. And I am not just talking about football, but about life,” Representative Tommy Reynolds shared during his turn at the podium.
Reynolds sponsored the bill to dedicate the hatchery in honor of Tyler. He noted that the bill passed unanimously in the House and overwhelmingly in the Senate.
“That is not an easy thing to do,” Reynolds added about the strong support for the bill shared by lawmakers across the state.
Reynolds also reflected on Tyler’s careers that started with his military service before his tenure as a coach. His coaching career started at Water Valley High School in 1995 and stretched into the SEC including a five year stint from 1973 to 1978 when he propelled the Mississippi State Bulldogs to national acclaim. Reynolds explained that Tyler launched his next career with
MDWFP with an appointment by Governor Kirk Fordice in 1992. Reynolds then pointed to Tyler’s time as the director of the Yalobusha County Economic Development District when he worked tirelessly to assist the county’s industries.
“He has retired from more jobs than most people ever had, yet he doesn’t really retire from anything,” Reynolds said. “Right?” he asked Coach Tyler’s wife, Dale Tyler.
“If I will drive,” Dale Tyler responded.
Yalobusha County Board of Supervisors President Cayce Washington pointed to Coach Tyler’s impact in his home county and across the state.
“He has helped to bring people together and made it his life’s work. We see visible monuments of that around us. But even more than that, we see the impact he has made on people’s hearts and minds,” Washington said. “The Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery is going to have such an impact for years to come, just as Coach has had in our lives. And we are thankful for that.”
During the open mic that followed, Breck Tyler noted that his father was equally impacted by people he encountered in life.
“You talked about the impact he has had on young people. My brothers will tell you the impact that all of you have had on my daddy has been unbelievable,” Breck Tyler said.
Breck Tyler also explained that his father has profound respect for all of the men and women employed by MDWFP.
“He loves you so much, and respects you so much,” he added.
Breck Tyler singled out Dr. Sam Polles, the former longtime executive director of MDWFP. Polles was Tyler’s boss during his career with the state agency that spanned more than three decade.
“He loves you and your family, Dr. Polles, he has said it so many times,” Breck Tyler said.
“Besides that, he has always said you are the smartest human being he knows.”
“Remember that Bob has always said that he (Dr. Polles) should have been a coach because he was better than Bear Bryant,” Dale Tyler said.
“I hope the ghost of Bear Bryant doesn’t get me,” Dr. Polles said as took the mic.
Dr. Polles noted that Tyler coached and mentored countless MDWFP workers, and also had strong knowledge and connections with almost every small town and city across the state.
“He brings people together, he did that and did it well,” Dr. Polles added.
Next to speak was an unexpected attendee who emerged from the back of the room.
A former football player and head coach, Rocky Felker was Coach Tyler’s star quarterback in 1974. He pointed to a season at Mississippi State University when he was struggling on the field.
“Coach Tyler came in with a little sheet of paper. It said, “God got you started, God has helped you get where you are today, and you can be sure that God won’t quit on you,” Felker recalled.
“This family has had a big impact on me. I just had to come over here when I heard this was going to happen.”
Coach Bob Tyler and Dale Tyler with Dr. Sam Polles (left), the longtime executive director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Polles served from 1992 through 2022.
