Talk to any parent who had a daughter participate in a Peoria Girls Sports League (PGSL) program, and it is safe to wager they are familiar with Jerry Robertson and his many years of dedicated service to the league. For the PGSL’s 33 years of existence, its programs provided a valuable experience for thousands of girls from third grade through high school. Most notably, Robertson was active in the league for 29 years, including 23 as President of the organization. Over his long tenure, Robertson wore many hats, including recruiting volunteers, keeping score and time, evaluating skills and coordinating the selection of players to the respective teams, securing venues, scheduling games, hiring and scheduling officials, purchasing equipment, updating rules, obtaining the state charter, fundraising, and dealing with the occasional unhappy parent. If that wasn’t enough, he also coached and officiated when needed. Under Robertson’s leadership, PGSL’s basketball program expanded to include a summer league for area high school teams that lasted for 20 years. For more than three decades, PGSL provided thousands of girls, of all skill levels, an opportunity to participate and compete in basketball and softball. Volleyball was also offered on an
instructional basis. Needless to say, Robertson’s efforts and perseverance were vital for the continuity and sustainability of the PGSL. The vast majority of parents and players appreciated PGSL’s objective of striking the proper balance between participation and competition while stressing good sportsmanship. In addition to his service to the PGSL, Robertson has volunteered for 20 years on the committee responsible for the set-up and tear-down of the “March Madness Experience” for the IHSA Boys’ Basketball Tournaments at the Peoria Civic Center. In 1994, he served as the director of the high school girls’ basketball competition for the Illinois Prairie State Games. He has also volunteered as an official for Special Olympics basketball games.