Eastern Kentucky's McBrayer Dies

Paul McBrayer, Eastern Kentucky University's winningest basketball coach, died Friday of pancreatic cancer. He was 89.

McBrayer coached the team from 1946 to 1962, compiling a record of 219-144.

"Coach McBrayer will be remembered for his outstanding record, his competitive spirit and the tremendous impact he had on the lives of his players and associates," EKU president Bob Kustra said.

McBrayer was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. The Eastern arena inside Alumni Coliseum was named for him and dedicated 10 years ago.

He was an Anderson County native and a 1930 All-America guard at the University of Kentucky.

In his first year at Eastern, with practically an all-freshman team, McBrayer won 11 straight games and the team finished with a 21-4 record.

During his time at Eastern, the school won two Ohio Valley Conference titles and made two trips to the NCAA tournament, losing to Notre Dame and Louisville.

Survivors include his widow, Katie.

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