Hall of Fame
Playing basketball and baseball for the Lions while a student in Freed-Hardeman's junior college days, Joe Burleson is most known for his half century of coaching at River Forest High School in Hobart, Indiana.
Burleson was a mainstay on the bench for the Ingots' JV boy's basketball team, serving as the head coach for 50 consecutive seasons. In that time, he was an assistant coach for 10 different varsity coaches. As an educator he taught fifth grade at River Forest Elementary for over 40 years.
Answering the call when needed, Burleson was the head coach for the Ingot cross country team for eight years and the track and field team for 11. He was the assistant softball coach for 17 years.
The floor of the gym at River Forest now bears his name and because of his half century of service, the #50 jersey has been retired at all levels.
Outside of sports, he was awarded the Sagamore of Wabash award - the highest award granted by the governor of Indiana. Previously serving as a deacon, Burleson is still an active member of the Traders Point Church of Christ in Indianapolis.
