As one writer explains, Centre's success in football from 1917 to 1924 "came about because one man dreamed it, and put his feet to the ground with a plan, and then realized his dream to make Centre the No. 1 football team in America. That person was Robert Livingston "Chief" Myers, who had been a 98-pound weakling when he played football. He was a scrub and they made him the water boy. But he had a love for football, a passion for football, so even though he didn't make varsity, that didn't stop him from wanting to coach Centre, and didn't stop him from trying to put together the best team possible."[8]
1917
The first two games were coached by Myers, and the rest by Charley Moran.[2] According to Centre publications, "Myers realized he was dealing with a group of exceptional athletes, who were far beyond his ability to coach. He needed someone who could [do] the team justice, and found that person in Charles Moran."[4]
1921
Myers was then athletic director of Centre from 1920 to 1922. Centre's undefeated season in 1919 drew attention and a challenge from Harvard.[9] Centre lost to Harvard in 1920, but in 1921 it defeated the Crimson 6 to 0 in what is widely considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.[10][11] McMillin got the score with Roberts providing the blocking. Following the game, students from MIT who came to cheer against Harvard carried McMillin off the field and tore down the goalposts.[12]
1924
Myers led the Colonels to their last Southern championship in 1924. The team defeated both Georgia and SoCon champion Alabama.[4]
Later years and death
Myers left Centre in 1925 and worked with his father in the White & Myers Chautauqua and subsequently with Interstate Lyceum Bureau of Chicago. In 1932, he was hired as director of admissions and publicity at the Kentucky Military Institute in Lyndon, Kentucky. Myers returned in 1944 to Centre, serving as director of publicity until 1950 when he took the same position at Trinity University in San Antonio. He left Trinity in 1953 and moved to Algonquin, Illinois to live with his son. Myers died on May 5, 1953, in Algonquin.[1]