Brown inducted into S.D. Senior Games Hall of Fame

A Brandon man has added another accolade to his long list of athletic honors.

Howard Brown was inducted into the South Dakota Senior Games Hall of Fame at the organization’s 34th annual awards banquet Sept. 8 in Sioux Falls.

Brown has been involved with the Senior Games for a dozen years, and in that time has garnered second, third, fourth and fifth places on two occasions at the national senior event level.

He also holds two South Dakota state senior meet records.

“The Senior Games are a great way to stay in shape and meet old and new friends,” Brown said. “And my throwing career has given me the knowledge to help local high school kids, working at many track meets and serving as head discus judge at the state high school track meet for over 20 years.”

Brown, who was born, raised and continues to live in Brandon, was first interested in competitive sports in junior high where he found good fortune throwing the discus. He continued with throwing events as a prep athlete at Brandon Valley High School and won runner-up honors in South Dakota’s Class AA state discus competition his senior season. From BVHS, Brown went on to Worthington Junior College in Worthington, Minn., where he competed collegiately. In his first year, he captured third at the national meet in Houston, Texas, and in his sophomore year, he was the national junior college champion in the discus and was awarded All-American honors. 

“I didn’t continue on with college after my sophomore year, so I thought my throwing career was over,” Brown said. “When I first heard about the South Dakota Senior Games, I couldn’t wait to turn 50, as I really missed competing and throwing the discus.”

In addition to his induction into the Senior Games Hall of Fame, Brown has been inducted into halls of fame at Brandon Valley High School, Worthington Jr. College and Minnesota State Jr. College.

A Brandon woman, Jo Murren, was awarded Outstanding Female Athlete for 2016 at the Senior Games banquet.