Morgan County Profiles

Emmett Branch McCracken

     Emmett Branch McCracken, the "Sheriff of Monrovia," was a Morgan Countian who achieved significant distinction in the beloved Hoosier Hysteria, basketball, both as a player and coach.
     He was born in Monrovia on June 9, 1908, graduating from its high school and becoming a legendary high school player. He followed suit and made headlines as a player after moving down the road to Bloomington to attend Indiana University. He was I.U. and the storied Big Ten's most valuable player in 1928. He established himself in the coaching ranks at Ball State Teacher's College, becoming small college "Coach of the Year." Promoted to the scene of his college playing glory as coach of the Hoosiers, "Doc" took no time in becoming a legend in Bloomington. He coached I.U. to its first National NCAA Championship in 1940, served in the Navy and coached at the Great Lakes Naval Station, he returned to I.U. and continued the success of his fast paced game coaching dogma.
     He won several Big Ten Conference titles and was always a factor in the conference. He won another national title in 1953 on a team that featured Bob "Slick" Leonard, later a pro player and coach of the Indiana Pacers.
     Prematurely white haired, McCracken was an imposing figure on the sidelines and was respected and admired by players, fans, the media, and opposing teams. He was one of a few elite that was elected to the Helm's Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. Passing away at only age 61, McCracken wasn't able to relish to his fullest measure the accolades so due him. His death proceeded the wonderful movie "Hoosier," but he would have enjoyed it. The Monrovia boy in him would have surely relished the victory of small town Hickory.

By Ken Griffin

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