The North Hunterdon High School community and the town of Clinton mourn the passing of a true legend. Yesterday, our most cherished Fallen Lion, David “Dave the Rave” Robbins, left the physical “Jungle” he so passionately cheered for, leaving behind an indelible legacy of pure joy, unyielding sportsmanship, and unparalleled school spirit.
For over half a century, Dave was not just a spectator; he was the beating heart of the Pride. He taught generations of Lions what it truly means to run with the pack—supporting our athletes fiercely, regardless of whether the scoreboard showed a win or a loss.
Dave’s journey as a cornerstone of the North Hunterdon community began decades ago. A member of the graduating class of 1963, his athletic aura earned him an early nickname. Attorney George Hoerrner originally dubbed him “Gola,” after the college and NBA star Tom Gola. However, it was the moniker “Dave the Rave” that would echo through the decades.
Born with an intellectual disability during an era when special needs children were frequently isolated, Dave shattered barriers. Instead of standing on the margins, he became a central pillar of Clinton, fully embraced and celebrated by a community that recognized his extraordinary light.
To see Dave was to see the embodiment of Lions Pride. Donning his iconic green-and-gold cape—lovingly crafted by Mrs. Florence Whittington in 1978—Dave was instantly recognizable at every sporting event. He traveled far and wide by bicycle and thumb to ensure he never missed a game, becoming North Hunterdon’s undisputed number one fan.
He wasn’t just known for his spirit, but for his legendary, crowd-pleasing antics:
- The Trademark Shot: In 1978, during a game against NH-Central, Dave tried his first over-the-head, backward halftime shot. It became his signature move, once inspiring Booster Club donations for every point scored. Over his lifetime, Dave spectacularly sank over 3,200 backward basketball shots, once hitting nine consecutively.
- The End Zone Fixture: During football season, Dave was a landmark behind the end zone, holding the school record for the most extra-point footballs caught.
A Decorated Champion
Dave’s excellence extended far beyond the sidelines. He was a powerhouse athlete in his own right, mentoring students on what it meant to have the “Lions Pride”. His incredible achievements include:
- NHHS Athletic Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2002 as part of the historic First Class in the “Contributor” category.
- NJ Special Olympics Hall of Fame: Inducted in December 2023, honoring his immense skill and perseverance.
- Special Olympics Medalist: Earned over 88 medals across basketball, softball, bowling, track, and golf
- National Recognition: Featured in a heartwarming national spotlight by CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman. How a beloved fan at local sporting events became a pillar of this New Jersey town
Beyond the courts, Dave was a dedicated worker, whether cutting grass around town, greeting neighbors at the old Clinton Deli, working at the Hunterdon Developmental Center canteen, or spending time at his usual fixture, Tony DiPietro’s barber shop.
“He ensures every athlete feels seen.” Dave the Rave taught us that sportsmanship isn’t about the final score; it is about how you uplift the Pride. When his bicycle was stolen years ago before Christmas, the community rallied—the girls’ basketball team and friends chipping in to replace it—showing just a fraction of the love Dave poured into North Hunterdon every single day.
Though our Fallen Lion has left the sidelines, his roar will echo through the halls of North Hunterdon High School forever. Every time a halftime buzzer sounds, every time a football clears the crossbar, and whenever we wear the Green and Gold, we will remember the man in the cape who taught us how to dance, how to cheer, and how to love unconditionally.
Rest in peace, Dave. Your watch over the Jungle is complete, but your spirit will never leave the Pride. Give our Fallen Lion a “Shout Out” on Facebook by clicking HERE.
