Hall of Fame
Dick Brownlee, who played football at Kirksville High School for Bulldog Hall of Famer John Spainhower, entered the university in the fall of 1959. He performed as a football lineman, but he didn't need any introduction to his line coach, Ken Gardner, another Hall of Famer. He was Coach Gardner's adopted son, but he didn't get any special favors from his line coach. Mr. Brownlee lettered four years in football and performed on two MIAA championship teams, including the 1961 squad that won the Mineral Water Bowl game. He was an All-Conference selection and served as team captain in his senior season. Mr. Brownlee received the Stickler Cup award as a senior. He also lettered one year as a field-event performer in track. Since his graduation in 1963, he has compiled a 27-year high school coaching career, including stints as an assistant football coach at Hamilton, Mexico, Jefferson City, Rockford, Ill., Loves Park, Ill. and as head coach at Hazelwood West in St. Louis. His 1976 Hazelwood team finished 7-2 and barely missed making the state playoffs. In 1977 at Hazelwood, Mr. Brownlee was selected as a coach for the Missouri All-Star football game. Mr. Brownlee then served as the offensive coordinator at Joplin West Senior High School.
