Hall of Fame
A dedicated leader who devoted 34 years of his life to Eastern Athletics, Donald G. Combs, Sr. served EKU as its Director of Athletics and head swimming coach. While leading the EKU swimming program for 19 years, 1956-75, Combs posted an .836 winning percentage (143-28) and won 13 consecutive Kentucky Intercollegiate Swimming Championships.
He mentored 28 All-Americans and was awarded “Master Coach” status by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America, Inc.
In 1968 the Donald G. Combs Natatorium was dedicated in his honor.
For the last three years of his coaching career, and 16 subsequent years, Combs served as EKU’s Director of Athletics (1972-91). During that era, the Colonels claimed the OVC men’s all-sports trophy five times and the women’s all-sports trophy three times. During his tenure, the athletics department expanded from nine varsity sports to 19.
A member of the Division I-AA football committee for nine years and Chairman in 1985, Combs was Eastern’s AD when the Colonels won the I-AA football national championship in 1979 and 1982. A 1991 Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame inductee, Don’s father, Earle Combs, is also a member of the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame.
