Robert (Rawbone) Hyde graduated from Sheffield High School in 1952 where he was a gifted athlete in basketball, baseball and tract. In high school he excelled in track and was the Alabama State High Jump Champion in 1952. He was the first jumper in the area to high jump over 6 feet. Following high school he was a member of the University of Alabama track squad from 1952-1956 and was the conference champion in the high jump from 1954-1956. He also placed 1st those same years in the Florida Relay and was undefeated in the high jump in all competitions he took part in from 1954-1956. After college he entered the Air Force and became an Armed Services Volleyball All-American competing ib Olympic Trials in 1964. Robert retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force.