Robert Strange wrestled in an unfamiliar era as the sport was in its infancy having only been recognized by the Illinois High School Association since 1937. There was not official match scoring in the first three state tournaments, so matches were determined by fall, riding time or official's decision.

After qualifying for the state tournament in 1938, Strange became the first three-time Illinois state champion when he won titles in 1939, 1940 and 1941.

Following his graduation from Lawrenceville High School and three years in the United States Army, Strange continued wrestling at the University of Illinois before an injury in the NCAA tournament ended his career.

Strange began teaching at Lawrenceville High School and coached a variety of sports. He did not, however, coach wrestling which had been dropped by his alma mater two years after he won his title in 1941.

He helped get the program reinstated in 1962 and as Lawrenceville prospered, other area schools began wrestling programs. Many credit Strange with wrestling's comeback.

Strange was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in the Charter Class of 1972. He served as Grand Marshal at the IHSA state tournament in 1979 and was named to the Illinois Wrestling Team of the Century in 2000. Strange was inducted into the Lawrenceville High School Sports Hall of Fame in the Charter Class of 2004.