Background
Dr. Joe Brickner grew up in Ohio but attended college in Kansas where he was a basketball student-athlete. He has always loved the game of basketball, but to put bread on the table, he pursued a business career. Nearly 30 years into that career, he got an opportunity to pursue his dream and become a men’s head college basketball coach. His first book, “So, You Want to Be a Coach…” is his story, told with the endearing anecdotes that life presents – some will make you laugh, and some will make you cry.
Dr. Brickner’s second book, “America: Lost in Place” is a reflection of his 70+ years on the planet. Dr. B analyzes 17 topics and compares how things were in the 1950’s and 60’s to today. He then summarizes his findings and proposes recommendations for allowing America, and Americans, to experience the life that our forefathers envisioned for us.
Current Happenings
Dr. Brickner not only coached but also taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He is now retired living with his beloved bride of nearly 40 years, Connie. He has two sons, Alex and Scott, who each have three children of their own. He still works out every day and competes in age-division basketball tournaments. He hosts his own podcast and co-hosts a second podcast (Chatting with Charlie). He is a beekeeper and recently earned his orange and purple belts in martial arts. Retired???
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/drjoebrickner
Honors
2001 | Lima Central Catholic High School Hall of Fame Athletic Achievement |
2016 | St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Award of Champions 1976 Natioanal Amateur Basketball Association (NABA) National Champions: St. Louis Kutis Amateur Basketball Team |
2017 | Benedictine College Athletic Hall of Fame 1967 St. Benedict’s National Championship Team |
Mixed Martial Arts Punching Training
In mid-May 2021 I began taking mixed martial arts (MMA) classes. A friend invited me to join the class, but I wasn’t sure it was something I would want to do on a regular basis. I was wrong – I really enjoy the 3-times a week class. The best thing about it, other than learning a new skill that will also increase your physical fitness, is the confidence you gain as you learn various techniques. The video to the left shows a punching drill that we do a number of times each class.
MMA Block, Kick and Punch Exercise
Part of the MMA training is to learn how to not only punch, but also to block punches & kicks, and how to use kicks yourself. At the left is a slow, deliberate block, kick and punch exercise that we learned as beginners. I marvel at the speed that the pros do these things simply by reading and reacting to their opponent.
Since beginning the training, me and my three classmates have earned our orange and purple belts in Chinese Kenpo. The orange belt has six techniques, the purple belt has seven techniques, and the blue belt, which we are currently working on, has eight techniques to master.
Pandemic Relief
During the early months of the Pandemic all the gyms in KC were closed. On the brink of going off the deep end, I was rescued by a friend who allowed me to shoot in a gym built in the 1920’s. I called it Hoosiers II. Here’s a short video of an old man who was as giddy as a pre-teen when allowed to shoot again after being shut down for months!
It Started on My 68th Birthday
I was always a little envious of my two sons, who used to have a bet as to who could still dunk on their oldest birthday. The dunk was banned when I played college ball, so no one gave dunking much thought back then. Instead, we worked on our “spin move” and pull-up jumper. By the time my boys were wagering birthday bets I could barely touch the rim (net?) – so I had to devise another birthday measurement to replace the dunk. I came up with having to complete as many push-ups as your age. I began the tradition (torture) when I turned 68. Happily, I’ve kept the string going an additional 6 years. Not sure that is going to continue with these old bones!
2022 was a good year for the Brothers Basketball Club
Tampa Bay Masters 70+
3 on 3 Champs
Clearwater FL, January 2022
L to R: James Newsome, Tim DiPiero, Joe Brickner, Terry Schaplow, Bill DiPiero, Archie Puritz
Masters Basketball Assn 70+
5 on 5 Champs
Coral Springs FL, May 2022
L to R: Terry Schaplow, Dave Rothery, Joe Brickner, Bill DiPiero, Tim DiPiero, Greg Imperi, Bill O’Connor, James Payne, Lou Williams
