Baton Rouge, LA (U-WIRE) -- The Robinson family name is tightly woven into the tapestry of LSU athletic tradition.

The family added another thread when Ouachita Christian tennis standout Hannah Robinson committed to LSU earlier this year.

"It is really exciting to come to LSU and continue the family tradition," Robinson said. "I want to get down there, play my best and win."

Hannah will be the fourth generation to participate in LSU athletics behind her great-grandfather, grandfather and father.

THE BIRTH OF A DYNASTY

When Hannah steps into the W.T. "Dub" Robinson Tennis Stadium, she will be greeted with a shrine to commemorate her great-grandfather's accomplishments. "Dub" Robinson is credited with leading the LSU men's tennis program to national prominence from 1948-1974 and 1979.

Dub compiled a 189-180-9 overall record in his 28-year coaching career.

The tennis stadium was named W.T. "Dub" Robinson Tennis Stadium in 1970 to honor his contributions.

Dub inherited a program in 1948 that had not won a match in five years. LSU documented records of 0-4 and 0-5 in 1946-47, while no team participated from 1943-45 because of World War II.

He posted a 5-4 record in his first season, and winning records in 10 of his first 12 years.

LSU enjoyed 14 winning seasons under Dub's watch, but he never could capture the elusive Southeastern Conference Championship title. The Tigers finished second four times.

THE MAKING OF A LEGEND

If Webster's published an illustrated dictionary, one might find a picture of Hannah's grandfather, Johnny Robinson, next to words such as tough, dedicated or courageous.

The former LSU running back experienced heart problems that required quadruple by-pass surgery 15 months ago. Just 11 days later, he suffered a stroke while recovering in his home.

"The bypass didn't cause that much of a problem, but the stroke was devastating, and it changed my life," Johnny said. "I couldn't talk for three months, and I still have some paralysis in my leg."

Johnny was later diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the glands.

The following December he was diagnosed with throat cancer.

But despite all of the obstacles, Johnny still finds the energy and the will to lead an active life.

"I've got to keep active," Robinson said. "I feel good enough to compete. I'm going to beat this sickness."

What else could one expect from a man who played with three broken ribs in Kansas City's 23-7 win over heavily favored Minnesota in Super Bowl IV.

Johnny intercepted Viking quarterback Joe Kapp late in the game to seal the Viking's fate.

Robinson is still an athlete today, playing tennis three times a week. He also retains the directorship of the Johnny Robinson Boys Home in Monroe.

Assistant Administrator Matt Robinson, Johnny's son, said its mission is to help correction kids.

"We have a six-to-nine month program that takes kids that have had trouble with the law," Matt Robinson said. "We hope that they can return to their communities as functional citizens,"

Matt played tennis at LSU his freshman season before transferring to Louisiana Tech.

Many of the older LSU fans will remember that Johnny excelled at running back and safety, but coach Paul Dietzel said there was not anything Johnny could not do.

"Johnny was as good an athlete as I have ever seen," Dietzel said. "He was very intelligent and could run, throw and catch, as well as play defense."

Johnny was a cornerstone of the 1958 National Championship team alongside quarterback Warren Rabb and 1959 Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon.

"If Billy Cannon would not have been here, Johnny might have had his name on that Heisman Trophy," Dietzel said.

Robinson led the team in receiving in 1958 and 1959 with a combined total of 32 catches for 416 yards and 7 touchdowns in an era where the forward pass was scarce.

In addition, Robinson was the second-leading rusher on the championship team with 480 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Along with Rabb and Cannon, Robinson was named to first-team All-SEC honors in 1958.

The American Football League's Dallas Texans (later to become the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963) drafted Robinson as a running back in the inaugural draft in 1960.

Robinson later switched to safety when the Texans moved to Kansas City.

After nine seasons in the AFL and three seasons in the NFL, Johnny became the Chief's all-time interception leader with 58 career interceptions

He was inducted in the AFL Hall of Fame in 1974, selected to six consecutive All-AFL teams between 1963 and 1968 and one NFL Pro-Bowl selection in 1970.

He was later inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978.

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

Hannah has mixed a good work ethic with a strong gene pool, playing in many regional tournaments and several national tournaments while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe.

She is currently ranked No. 188 by tennisplayers.net and has compiled a 10-9 record against the nation's top 300.

Hannah is the favorite to win the state championship this spring after capturing titles in each of her first three years.

"I saw her play in several tournaments, and I was really impressed with her athleticism and competitiveness," LSU coach Tony Minnis said. "She doesn't get to practice with the best being in Monroe, but I expect her raw talent to develop in the years to come."

Despite a grueling schedule that includes class, tennis and basketball (she is a forward), Hannah still has time to play a little tennis with her grandfather.

"[Johnny] is amazing," Hannah said. "He plays very well considering everything he has been through. He really is an inspiration to me."

With Hannah set to enroll in the fall, Johnny is looking forward to see the Robinson legacy continue.

"Hannah is a deserving person and should be a nice surprise in the lineup for LSU next season," Johnny said. "I am really proud of her, and I look forward to seeing her play."

(C) 2004 The Daily Reveille via U-WIRE