Dr. Don Brandon – 2010 Coach/Athlete

Don Brandon came from Cullman, Ala., in the fall of 1959 to play football, basketball and baseball at Anderson University.
 
Brandon earned four letters in football, two in basketball and four in baseball at Anderson and set the single season record for fewest walks per game. He was a two-time All-Conference selection in baseball (1961-62) and was a member of the 1961 men’s basketball team that set a school record with 26 wins and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Basketball Tournament.
 
Brandon earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathmatics from Anderson University in 1963 and added his Master’s of Physical Education from Ball State University in 1967. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Education from Springfield College (Mass.) in 1976.
 
After graduation, Brandon taught in the Anderson school system for several years before succeeding Anderson legend and mentor Carl Erskine as the baseball coach in 1972.
 
Over the next 38 years, Brandon built the Raven baseball program to one of the best in the nation, capturing 14 conference championships, 11 NAIA District 21 titles, five regional championships, seven World Series appearances and 27 Coach of the Year Awards.
 
His 1,100 (update) career wins ranked second on the active list upon his retirement in 2010 and were the fifth most on the NCAA Div. III career coaching wins list. He has coached 136 All-Conference players, 34 All-Americans and is a member of both the NAIA and Indiana High School Baseball Hall of Fames.
 
Brandon has been married to his college sweetheart Janet for more than 50 years and they reside in Anderson. They have two children (Brent and Leah) and four grandchildren.
 
Anderson University is proud to name Dr. Donald Brandon to the Athletic Hall of Fame.