Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Eddie Holbrook (Lenoir-Rhyne, 1962) was a standout member of the Bears' basketball team. On the court, Holbrook led L-R to two conference championships and a pair of NAIA District runner-up places while finishing in the top 10 nationally in free throw shooting percentage.  Better known for his collegiate head coaching after graduation, Holbrooks' stints include stops at Gardner-Webb (1965-78) and Furman (1979-82).  At the Boiling Springs, N.C., school, Holbrook led the Runnin' Bulldogs to a 345-75 mark that included eight various coach-of-the-year honors, 11 top ten national finishes and numerous All-Americans including Artis Gilmore, George Adams and John Drew.  Holbrook was also Director of Athletics at Gardner-Webb from 1971 to 1978 and spearheaded several fundraising projects for remodeling facilities.  At Furman, Holbrook led the Paladins to the 1980 Southern Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division I Tournament.  Holbrook returned to Gardner-Webb in 1993 and served as an Assistant to the President and Vice President of Community Relations and Development for four years.  Holbrook, who received his master's degree from Appalachain State University, is also a member of the Cleveland County and Gardner-Webb University Hall of Fame.  Holbrook was also the Dean of the Community Relations and Development for Cleveland Community College.