Since its inception in 1990, the BMC Salina Athletics Department has produced countless
regional and divisional championship teams, All-American players, and people who
know the value of working hard on – and off – the field. Learn more
about the Lions’ proud history and tradition of excellence.
THE HISTORY OF BROWN MACKIE COLLEGE – SALINA ATHLETICS AND MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM
In 1990, the Administrator of Brown Mackie College decided that the college could
prosper if they would incorporate intercollegiate athletics as a part of the overall
college structure. After visiting and counseling with the “high-ups” at different
institutions throughout Kansas and in fact, throughout the nation, it was decided
that indeed, Brown Mackie College would institute an athletic program. Such a program
would give the young men and women who attended the college the chance to enhance
their overall educational experience. It further decided that Brown Mackie College
would join the ranks as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association
(NJCAA).
The next step was to find someone with both Athletic Administration and coaching
experience. In January of 1990, Brown Mackie College hired Francis Flax to structure
the athletic programs. In the fall of 1990, Brown Mackie College, under the coaching
of Francis Flax, fielded its first ever intercollegiate team, a volleyball team.
The team competed as a member of Region VI (Kansas Community/Junior Colleges) and
in fact, won more than 20 volleyball games. In the spring of 1991, Flax directed
the first softball team in school history, and the team won 20 games while losing
only 8. In the fall of 1991, women’s basketball and men’s baseball were added to
the sports program, and Jon Froelich was hired to coach both sports.
Now that the athletic era of Brown Mackie College was off and running, it was time
to add yet another sport, that being men’s basketball. In the fall of 1992, Brown
Mackie hosted Central College of McPherson in its first ever men’s basketball contest,
winning in the last few seconds by the score of 81-78. Since that game, Brown Mackie
has competed in 651 basketball games (20 seasons). Some of the highlights of the
program include: 11 All-Americans, 96 players going on to play at 4-year colleges/universities;
51 All-Region performers; 3 players signing NBA contracts; 16 players playing some
level of professional basketball (overseas, minor leagues, etc.); and 2 National
Junior College Division II Championships, 1999 and 2005.