Coach Bob Pickens graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1964. He received his bachelor's degree from Marshall University and master's degree from Salem University in 1969 and 1999 respectively. At Marshall University, Coach Pickens was captain of the wrestling team his junior and senior years. Bob Pickens, a "Big Red" state champ in 1964 under legendary coach Bob Dutton, was assigned the wrestling coach at Williamstown High School in 1977. Coach Pickens coached wrestling at Williamstown High School for 25 years. During his tenure, the "Yellow Jackets" won two state team titles (1982 and 1983). Furthermore, Coach Pickens' teams were state runner-ups four times. His teams also won seven "Little Kanawha Conference" Wrestling Championships, which he had 68 individual champions. The conference does not have a coach of the year award, but if it did, Bob Pickens would have been the recipient of that award many times. Coach Bob Pickens was named "West Virginia Wrestling Coach of the Year" two times (1982 and 1983). He produced 37 individual state champions, including three-time state titliest Dan Rowell who was a high school All-American and Mike Mason, who was not only a three-time state champion, but also a multiple NCAA Division I All-American at West Virginia University. In fact, Coach Bob Pickens presently ranks second, statewide, with the most individual state champions. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame honors Bob Pickens with a "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award, class of 2004.