The Blinn College Athletic Department presented Doug Brown with the seventh annual Buccaneer Backer of the Year Award between Wednesday night's men's and women's basketball games in the Kruse Center. 

"I am very honored to be named the Buccaneer Backer of the Year," Brown said. "It is really amazing to see how the athletic department has grown from local athletes to national and international athletes, and is really exciting to be a part of it." 

Brown earned his associate degree from Blinn in 1996 and went on to Sam Houston University to complete his bachelor's degree in radio and television.  

He started as the public address announcer with the Blinn baseball program in 2003. He is now in his 18th year in the position and announces games for the Blinn softball, men's basketball, women's basketball, football, and volleyball programs in addition to baseball. 

"I like that the fans like what I do, and that they get so fired up about it," Brown said.  

Blinn athletic director Scott Schumacher honored Brown with the award in recognition of his commitment to Blinn athletics. 

"Doug Brown brings a positive smile to everyone's face and puts Blinn on a different level with his announcing," Schumacher said. "He is one of our number one fans and it speaks volumes that he is at all of our games. It was a privilege to be able to recognize him for all of the hard work that he does for our athletic department and our student-athletes." 

Previous Buccaneer Backer of the Year Award winners include Blinn alumnus Fred Kessel, former Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Christy Young, former Texas Speaker of the House Gus Mutscher, Biology Professor Karen Killion, and former athletic directors Don Wilhelm and Leroy Dreyer. 

The Buccaneer Backer Club was formed to raise financial support and awareness for all athletic programs at Blinn College. A modest contribution of $100 helps the Buccaneer Backers provide aid in funding postseason travel, equipment, and facility upgrades.  

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.