WILHELM NAMED ‘BUCCANEER BACKER OF THE YEAR’

Don Wilhelm was athletic director for 10 years and still frequents many athletic events at Blinn

Former Blinn College athletic director Don Wilhelm was presented the third annual Buccaneer Backer of the Year award at the Buccaneer Backer Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 21, in recognition of his continued commitment to Buccaneer athletics.

“It was very much an honor to be named Buccaneer Backer of the Year,” Wilhelm said. “Blinn is one of the top community colleges and it has been very good to me.”

Athletic director Scott Schumacher honored Wilhelm with the award prior to the tournament. Wilhelm’s influence on the athletic department is evident, as the most valuable player on the women’s basketball team each year is given the Don Wilhelm MVP Award. Wilhelm worked as athletic director at Blinn for 10 years, from 1994 until his retirement in 2004.

“Don Wilhelm has been a Buccaneer Backer since the beginning and he sponsors a hole at the golf tournament every year,” Schumacher said. “He comes to all the athletic events and supports both the athletes and coaches.”

Next year, the award will be renamed the Gus Mutscher Buccaneer Backer of the Year. Mutscher won the first ever Buccaneer Backer of the Year Award, and biology professor Karen Killion won the award a year ago.

The Buccaneer Backer Club was formed to raise financial support and awareness for all athletic programs at Blinn College. A modest contribution of $100 helps the Buccaneer Backers provide aid in funding postseason travel, equipment and facility upgrades. Last season, the Buccaneers won cheer and dance championships. The volleyball team placed seventh at nationals and the women’s basketball team reached the Sweet 16 at the Division I National Championships.

For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.

(Story & photo courtesy: Jake Gordon, Blinn Information)