It’s fourth down with five yards to go and Washington University is lined up to punt from its own 45-yard line. Conrad Bradburn stands at the Lynx 20-yard line. The punt is a long, hanging spiral, angling for the visitor’s sideline. It appears the ball will sail over Bradburn’s head. As the punt starts its decent, Bradburn retreats, shielding his eyes and drawing close to the Bear’s sideline. To the dismay of the Washington players, Bradburn fields the punt. He fakes right as if he’s going to step out of bounds at the 13, then starts a diagonal run for the Lynx sideline. He shakes two would-be tacklers, and suddenly a wall of red jerseys appear and Bradburn sprints around the wall. His coaches and teammates are jumping up and down as he races down the sideline for a touchdown. The greatest punt return in Fargason Field history-87 yards.
Pound for pound, Conrad Bradburn ranks as one of Rhodes’ all-time great football players. A 5’11”, 180-pound free safety, he played with a relentless and fearless style. As teammate Mike Clary remarked, “Conrad went 110% on every play. He was tireless, and just when you thought he had nothing left, he’d make an interception, return a punt for 50 yards, or make a big-time hit that would cause a fumble. Conrad was a special football player.”
A four-year starter for the Lynx, Conrad was named to the 1976 Kodak Division III All-America First Team. He was selected to the College Athletic Conference First Team his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Conrad was a key member of the Lynx defense which led the nation in total defense in 1974, giving up only 94 yards per game. He served as co-captain his senior year. Along with his natural instincts for football, Conrad had great athleticism and speed. He was a sprinter and hurdler on the track team his junior and senior years.
For the thrills he gave countless fans at Fargason Field, the enthusiasm and zeal he displayed as a Lynx football player and the recognition he brought to his alma mater as a First-Team All-American, Rhodes is honored to induct CONRAD MATTHEW BRADBURN into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 22nd day of October, 2004.
