Coach Robert Grace, Sr. will always be the cornerstone of Sunshine High School and East Iberville High School ,both remain dear to his heart. He performed many roles during his years at Sunshine High School/East Iberville High School whether it was a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, assistant principal, mentor, father figure, etc. Coach Grace finished his coaching career with 422 wins, 160 losses, 13 district championships, 4 Louisiana High School Athletic Association Top 28 State Basketball Tournament appearances along with numerous Coach of the Year awards.
Robert H. Grace, Sr. began his teaching and coaching career at T. A. Levy High School in Rosedale, Louisiana in 1967. While at T. A. Levy High School, he coached all sports during his three (3) year tenure there. This was only the beginning of an illustrious coaching career.
In the Fall of 1969 he transferred to his Alma Mater, Sunshine High School, as an assistant coach for Boys’ Basketball and Baseball. In 1975, he became the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach, Head Baseball Coach, and started the first football program at Sunshine High School. The following year he coached the boys’ basketball team to their first ever appearance in the LHSAA Top 28. Over the years Sunshine High became a traditional powerhouse in boys’ basketball. In 1982, Sunshine High discontinued its football program and the school changed to Class B; it continued to be a powerhouse in basketball. In 1983, Coach Grace and his team was one of the two teams to defeat eventual Louisiana State Champion and parish rival White Castle High School under the direction of Hall of Fame Coach John Bueche. In 1989, he revived the football program at Sunshine High School.
In the fall of 1990 Sunshine High School became East Iberville Elementary and High School. Coach Grace continued to serve as Athletic Director, Head Football Coach, Head Boys’ Basketball Coach, and Head Baseball Coach. In 1992, Coach Grace relinquished his duties as Head Football Coach. In 1994, he relinquished his duties as Head Baseball Coach. Coach Grace continued to serve as Athletic Director and Head Boys’ Basketball Coach until 1996 when he officially retired from coaching to pursue the role of Assistant Principal at East Iberville High School.
African American High Schools in Louisiana Before 1970 