Article: Passion of a lifetimeISU's Brownlee looking to end 30-year career on a high point

What started as a refuge for Jim Brownlee evolved into a lifetime vocation.

"I came from a tough family, really a hard life," said Brownlee, a native of Lake Villa who played football, basketball and baseball in high school. "That was my outlet. That was making my life enjoyable because it wasn't enjoyable at home."

After playing baseball at Illinois State, Brownlee turned to coaching. The resulting 30-year career will end this week unless ISU wins the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Wichita, Kan.

"I am really ready to retire," said Brownlee. "Not retire and get on the couch, but I am really ready for a new challenge."

Through 23 years as the head coach at Evansville and the past ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!