Howard Holbrooks
Linebacker (1986-87)
Academic All-American
Howard grew up in the Topeka, KS area where he attended Sante Fe High School. He was an outstanding student-athlete. In 1987, Howard Holbrooks was the first athlete from Coffeyville Community College to have the honor of being selected by the NJCAA as an Academic All-American. He was selected to serve as Team Captain for the 1987 Red Raven football season, and at the end of that season he received Honorable Mention as linebacker on the NJCAA All-American Team. Howard continued his education and his football career at Washburn University, Topeka, KS, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. Among the many honors Howard garnered during his career at Washburn University are:
- NAIA Academic All-American - 1988
- All-Conference - 1988 and 1989
- Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities - 1988-89
- NAIA Scholar -1989
- Washburn University Academic Excellence Award - 1989
- Washburn University Biology Scholar - 1990
- Walt Disney NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship Finalist - 1990
Upon his graduation from Washburn University in 1991, Howard entered the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he earned his M.D. degree in May 1995. He then enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO, where he did his internship from July 1995 through June 1996. From Aurora, he was transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center at Sam Houston, TX, where he completed his anesthesiology residency in June, 1999. He is presently assigned to Irwin Army Community Hospital at Fort Riley, KS, where he will conclude his Army career prior to entering private practice. Dr. Holbrooks’ chief duties at Irwin are Medical Director of the Anesthesia/Perioperative Services; Medical Director of ICU/PACU; Medical Director of Respiratory Care, and Medical Director of Ambulatory Care Center. Additional honors Dr. Holbrooks has received include:
- Outstanding Intern of the Year at Ftizsimmons Army Medical Center - 1995-96
- U.S. Army Achievement Medal - 1996 and 1999
- Outstanding Anesthesia Resident at Brooke Army Medical Center - 1999
Dr. Holbrooks met his future wife, Sarah Thomas, while attending Coffeyville Community College. They are the parents of three children, Jacob, Hannah and Ella.
Dr. Holbrooks' accomplishments as an outstanding athlete and an outstanding scholar prove that one's ability to excel in the field of sports does not preclude one's ability to obtain a quality education and gain success in one's chosen field.
Dr. Holbrooks passed away on Feb. 7, 2013, in Lawrence, Kan.