Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Bri’Anna Branch awarded Boydston Legacy Athletic Scholarship
04/17/2019 | 8:03:00 | Track and Field
On April 2, Branch was also the MVC Women's Track Athlete of the Week for her performance at the Texas Relays. Branch clocked a season best (11.71) in the 100m dash and a PR in the 200m dash (23.19).
"Bri has been a consistent worker and leader since day one this season," said assistant coach Ashley Caldwell. "Her leadership has been invaluable to the team as well as the new coaches that are here this season."
While at SIU, Branch stood out within her team and showed how great of a student-athlete she is. From MVC Scholar Athlete, to MVC Champion in the 4x100 Relay, Branch always represents the Salukis in a great way.
"I never expected to be a Division I student-athlete, but when the opportunity arose, I could not help but be ecstatic to accept," said Branch. "I have loved my time here at SIU and I have made so many friends that I will cherish forever."
During the 2018-2019 season, Branch exceeded the expectations yet again. At the MVC Indoor Track and Field Championships, Branch finished in the top 3 to earn All-MVC laurels and ran a season best of 24.61 in the 200m dash, which helped her earn her sixth career All-MVC honor.
"It has been a pleasure to coach Bri this year and I wish I had her for her entire collegiate career," said assistant coach (sprints) Richard Jones, Jr. "Her demeanor and focus towards track is exceptional."
Branch looks forward to a career in teaching after graduating from SIU this spring.
"My major is Secondary English Education and I know that I am at an institution that will properly prepare me for this career," said Branch.
Coach Jones can already see great qualities in Branch that will help her succeed in her plans after college.
"As a young woman that looks to be in education once she graduates, she is perfect for that as well. She has a nurturing demeanor to the team and all around her," said Jones.
After working as a professor in health education at the University of Mississippi, Donald "Doc" Boydston came to SIU in 1955 to establish SIU's department of health education. Boydston guided the University's nationally recognized health education department for 33 years, along with the department's graduate program. In 1957, Boydston became the Athletic Director and helped transform Saluki Athletics from small-college status into a Division I program. Among his many accomplishments, Boydston was on the planning committee for SIU Arena, which opened in 1964. During the fifteen-year Boydston era, SIU won twelve national championships in six different men's sports and thirteen teams finished as runner-ups for national titles. In 2010, the spectacular 50,000-square foot facility that houses the Saluki football and basketball teams opened and was named in honor of former Athletic Director Donald N. "Doc" Boydston.
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