Estill "Eck" K. Branham

Estill “Eck” K. Branham was born to John and Ester Branham. A native of Floyd County, Kentucky, Eck came to WKU in 1933, where he lettered in basketball, football, and baseball and received his master’s degree. He then served in the Army in World War II, before beginning his coaching career. Over the course of 31 years, he coached at high schools across Kentucky. While coaching, he was the director of East-West All-Stars from 1956- 1977. He was also a scout for the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds baseball teams for 18 years. He retired in 1968, but remained active as a volunteer coach for WKU.

Eck spent time raising cattle on his farm, supporting WKU athletics, and attending the Methodist Church in Prestonburg, Kentucky, where he was a member. He was a charter member of the Hilltopper Athletic Association, a member of the W Club, and the Kentucky High School Coaches Association. He was married to Hazel Branham until her passing on August 17, 1989. A few years later, he married Carol Ann Branham. He and Carol were married for 14 years until his passing on June 2, 2004, and hers on October 18, 2005.

To show support for his alma mater, Eck established the Eck Branham Athletics Scholarship Fund in 1983. The fund assists worthy students in the WKU Football program. Through this fund, Eck’s legacy on the Hill continues in perpetuity.