by Media Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Stephen Prue
Phone: (785) 832-6644
stephen.prue@bie.edu
Haskell Indian Nations University
(Lawrence, Kansas ) – Matthew “Cougar” Downing, Jr. has been named Men’s Head Basketball Coach at Haskell Indian Nations University. Coach Downing, Jr. has coached at every level over the past 20 years and has personally trained numerous basketball players throughout the Midwest. Downing began his collegiate career at Dodge City Community College where he played for Brad Underwood.
With Underwood at the helm, Downing was named to the Jayhawk West All-Conference 1st Team. Underwood is now the head coach at Stephen F. Austin University and has been the Southland Conference Coach of the Year on two different occasions (2014, 2015).
After graduation, he attended the University of Maryland and played for Hall of Fame Coach Gary Williams while earning his Bachelor of Science Degree. Downing played high school basketball at Atchison (KS) High School where he played three seasons for his father Matthew “Chic” Downing, 2015 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Coach and Player. He was named 1st team All-State as a senior while leading his teams to two State Championships and a combined record of 69 – 6.
Downing is married to his high school sweetheart, Leslie and they have five children. Anthony (26), Lily (18), Matthew III (16), Reece (16), and Maddie (15).
