Emmett Brunson
The career of Emmett Evander Brunson spanned five decades as an athlete, coach, and administrator at Rice University. As a track and field athlete in 1928, he led the Owls to their first Southwest Conference title by setting records in the 880 and the mile while scoring a meet-high 12 points. During Brunson's tenure, the Owls scored more points in NCAA outdoor championships than any other SWC school and won five conference team titles. Brunson served the Owls as head track and field coach for 34 years (1934-1942 and 1946-1970), interrupted by a three-year tour as a naval officer. He coached four Olympians at Rice, including 1964 pole vault gold medal winner, Fred Hansen. Brunson also doubled as Rice's athletic business manager after his first seven years of coaching. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
