Former Sumner High basketball standout and head basketball coach Travis Brown passed away this week.
Brown’s career in education and athletics spanned six decades as a player, coach, and an administrator at the local and statewide level.
Brown was a starting guard of the Bulldogs 1969 Missouri State Class L state championship team, which was considered one of the best squads ever produced in the St. Louis metro area. Brown was part of a starting lineup that included star players Harry Rogers and 7’0” center David Brent. The Bulldogs were led by Hall of Fame head coach John Algee.
Brown went on to play collegiate basketball at Missouri Baptist University, where he blossomed into one of the top players in the history of the program. He finished his career with 1,641 points. His 46-point performance against Principia on Feb. 6, 1973 was a school record.
After a successful playing career, Brown went on to enjoy a successful coaching career. He succeeded John Algee as the head coach at Sumner. In 10 seasons at Sumner, Brown compiled a record of 137-85. His “Run for Fun” teams produced some of the highest scoring and entertaining teams in the St. Louis area.
Brown left the coaching ranks in 1988 to embark on a 21-year career in school administration in the St. Louis Public Schools, which included a stint as the principal at Beaumont High School. Brown also served on the board of directors of the Missouri State High School Activities Association for 11 years. He also served a term as board president in 2011.
Brown was inducted into the Missouri Baptist Athletics Hall of Fame in 1973 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
I remember him very well he was friends with my uncles Michael and Eldridge bryant they have football trophies from sumner I attended sumner graduate of 1975 I’m a BULLDOG for life.
I met Mr. Brown in 1982 when I went to Sumner High. I later had the honor to work with him as a Anti Drug and Anti Gang Coordinator at Beaumont High School in 2002-2005. He was one cool dude. My condolences to his family.
I got a chance to meet and play Basketball against Mr. Brown back in the day at Tandy Community Center and he was a very good completor and always Smiling. I will miss Travis greatly.
I met Mr. Brown when he became principal at Miller Career Academy.
Where my twins attended.
Mr. Brown was a positive and wise leader that provided guidance and encouragement in my leadership journey. He provided opportunities for my growth in decision making, community relationships and culture and climate skills.
I met Travis some years ago when we both played for the Pirates Khoury League Baseball Team one summer at Sumner High. He was an irreplaceable icon.This is a devastating unbelievable loss!! Sincerest condolences to the family.
I graduated from Sumner High in 1979. Mr. Brown was more contemporary than other teachers. Always giving a word of encouragement. Most importantly he lead by example. May he rest in heavenly peace.
Mr. Brown, continues a legacy of outstanding leaders and coaches from Sumner High School. I also had the pleasure of working with Travis jr. as an assistant principal at Normandy Middle School. My condolences to all family and friends. Find peace in God’s will.
Mr. Brown was my social studies teacher and many years later became my daughter’s principal at Beaumont. I called him Joe Clark #2 because he would canvas the neighborhood in the mornings and make the kids get to school. His famous Ah ah not at Beaumont was hilarious but the kids respected him so much. We lost a legend!
Travis Brown and I worked together at Soldan International Studies High School. He was the Assistant Principal. Mr. Brown was a good leader and the students loved him. He will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Mr. Brown.
Coach T…was a wonderful example of what “does” make SLPS a great district! It was a pleasure to work with him at the Administration Building for so many years because he brought that same attitude of achieving excellence, being accountable and lifting every person to reach their highest potential…As a champion for our scholars…he sure made a difference!
Lord, Bless the Brown family for sharing him with the St. Louis Community.
Renee. I was sadden to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and the children. Bonnie Culberson Woods.
I worked with Travis at Summer high school as the Pom Pom coach and we cheered on his basketball team. He was a great role model for our students. His memory will remain alive in our hearts
Travis, my brother, my friend you ran a good race and made a lasting impact.
You left a legacy of greatness, and an example of grace amidst your many achievements. We loved you more but God loved you best. I pay God’s grace for the love ones you left behind.
Travis Brown was one of the best educators I’ve met, he was my urban studies teacher at Sumner in 1980. Mr. Brown had a special talent for developing positive relationships with his students he required expectations and will be totally missed.