When Robert “Doc” Browning arrived on campus 40 years ago, he couldn’t imagine the influence he would have on the generations of students that met him.
“I’m grateful,” Browning said. “It’s been such a satisfying experience – over half my life here, so it’s pretty special.”
During his tenure as athletic trainer, Browning has played various roles in the community, including Pecos campout leader, Lower School PE teacher and sports announcer. On top of this, he has also attended every SPC tournament to date.
For the last four decades, many Marksmen, especially those that came in Lower School, share countless fond memories with Browning. Remebering moments spent playing frisbee on the Quad or dodgeball in the gym give him a sense of pride as he looks across the sea of graduating faces he’s watched grow into men.
“I love feeling like I’m part of their very first experience,” Browning said, “watching my first graders grow from that guy to that senior that walks across the stage and being able to watch that progression, maturation and matriculation through this school. I’ve got that bond with them, because I’ve known them since the very first day they stepped foot on this campus.”
The veteran teacher wants each boy to grow up to be a kind and respectful man who knows how to both jump rope and properly shake someone’s hand.
“If we don’t get them off to a good start and make them happy and make them love this place that first year, then, you know, I’ve kind of failed,” Browning said.
Doc has mentored thousands of boys during his career, but he also credits those who mentored him, such as fellow teacher and coach Tom Adams.
“Adams was just such a remarkable teacher and remarkable man and a legend at this school,” Browning said. “People from this school who will tell you Tom Adams was the best teacher that ever walked the face of the earth.”
On March 6, 2025, former NFL Linebacker Samuel Acho ‘07 and former Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins ‘03 met with Athletic Director Sean Lissemore in the Science Lecture Hall to discuss the lasting impact the school has had on them and their sports legacy.
During the panel, Acho reminisced on the long standing lessons Browning taught him in lower school, specifically during a game of handball in Spencer Gym.
“I was the biggest kid,” Acho said. “There were little kids hanging on my back. Doc wouldn’t call a foul, and I was so frustrated. Browning said, ‘Sam, this is what your life is going to be like, so get used to it.’”
Doc uses three words to describe his legendary tenure at St. Mark’s: grateful, rewarding and joyful.
“I love saying that I retired from this school and I never moved out of my office,” Doc said. “I’m going to celebrate 40 years, four years after I retired. But I never retired.”
