Ex-athletic director at Robeson High

GEORGE PRUITT

1936-2007

George Pruitt was the spirit of sports for generations ofstudents at Robeson High School and its predecessor, Parker High, onthe South Side.

The former small-college All-American and professional basketballplayer was more than just the athletic director, basketball coachand No. 1 fan.

"He was a father figure for many of the students he coached,"said James Braeshears, a former Robeson principal. "He constantlygave so much of himself to the students."

Mr. Pruitt, 71, died Sunday at the University of ChicagoHospitals. The cause of his death was not known, but he had doubleheart bypass surgery last week, said his son, …