Today in Wheeling History: July 20—South Wheeling native Everett "Brinkie" Brinkman, renowned for his strategic innovations in high school sports, particularly basketball, passed away (1972).
Victor Everett "Brinkie" Brinkman's story unfolds with his birth on September 22, 1902, in Wheeling, West Virginia. His early life growing up in South Wheeling was characterized by a fervent passion for sports, which he pursued with remarkable dedication at Wheeling High School. There, he earned an impressive 13 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track, setting a school record with a 54-point basketball game against Mt. Pleasant in 1921. This feat, among others, earned him all-state honors in both football and basketball during his senior year.
After high school, "Brinkie" attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he continued to excel in athletics. The college's 1925 basketball team, with Brinkman playing forward, won the West Virginia Intercollegiate title, a clear indication of his athletic prowess. His transition to coaching began at Union High in Benwood, where he led the football teams to four state titles in the years 1928, 1931, 1934, and 1937, showcasing his strategic mind and leadership abilities.
Returning to his alma mater, Wheeling High School, in 1933 as a coach marked the beginning of a legendary era. His football teams never experienced a losing season, and his basketball teams won five state championships (1936, 1938, 1940, 1943, and 1950). He was a pioneer of the two-handed jump shot and the fast break in basketball, techniques that have since become fundamental to the sport. His combined Union-Wheeling basketball record was an impressive 405 victories against 193 losses.
Beyond his coaching career, Brinkman was dedicated to education, earning a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and serving in school administration. His death on July 20, 1972, was a significant loss to the Wheeling community. He is buried in Halcyon Hills Memorial Park in Sherrard, West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence high school sports and education. His life's work is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the development of sports and the shaping of young lives.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/aG5dp) (https://shorturl.at/fTSBh)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave
Victor Everett "Brinkie" Brinkman's story unfolds with his birth on September 22, 1902, in Wheeling, West Virginia. His early life growing up in South Wheeling was characterized by a fervent passion for sports, which he pursued with remarkable dedication at Wheeling High School. There, he earned an impressive 13 varsity letters across football, basketball, baseball, and track, setting a school record with a 54-point basketball game against Mt. Pleasant in 1921. This feat, among others, earned him all-state honors in both football and basketball during his senior year.
After high school, "Brinkie" attended West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he continued to excel in athletics. The college's 1925 basketball team, with Brinkman playing forward, won the West Virginia Intercollegiate title, a clear indication of his athletic prowess. His transition to coaching began at Union High in Benwood, where he led the football teams to four state titles in the years 1928, 1931, 1934, and 1937, showcasing his strategic mind and leadership abilities.
Returning to his alma mater, Wheeling High School, in 1933 as a coach marked the beginning of a legendary era. His football teams never experienced a losing season, and his basketball teams won five state championships (1936, 1938, 1940, 1943, and 1950). He was a pioneer of the two-handed jump shot and the fast break in basketball, techniques that have since become fundamental to the sport. His combined Union-Wheeling basketball record was an impressive 405 victories against 193 losses.
Beyond his coaching career, Brinkman was dedicated to education, earning a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and serving in school administration. His death on July 20, 1972, was a significant loss to the Wheeling community. He is buried in Halcyon Hills Memorial Park in Sherrard, West Virginia, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence high school sports and education. His life's work is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the development of sports and the shaping of young lives.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/aG5dp) (https://shorturl.at/fTSBh)
Photo credits: Wheeling Hall of Fame, Find a Grave
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