Kansas State University Athletics
K-State Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1990
- Class:
- 1951
Ernie Barrett epitomizes Kansas State, and Wildcat athletics in particular. He is as friendly as he is successful; he is as much a leader as he is hard-working. He is Mr. K-State.
Born in Pratt, Kan, Ernie calls Wellington his hometown, and it was from that wheat-producing capital of the world that he came to Kansas State in 1948.
His basketball career at the school is storied. He captained the 1950-51 team under Jack Gardner that opened Ahearn Field House and advanced all the way to the NCAA championship game. There are still plenty of K-Staters around who will tell you that the ‘Cats would have won that championship game against Kentucky had KSU’s top scorer been at full strength (he was ailing from a sore shoulder suffered in a previous game).
Still, the club posted a school record 25 wins, and Ernie Barrett was the leading scorer (his ability as a long-range shooter is still a hot topic today). He was afforded all-America honors for his efforts, and was named the most valuable player at the East/West All-Star game in Chicago later that year. And even though basketball brought the fame, academics didn’t suffer. Barrett was a member of the Blue Key honorary. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1951, then earned his master’s degree in journalism in 1956.
Following his graduation in ’51, Barrett joined the Air Force, and he stayed in the service as a lieutenant until 1953. From there, it was on to a two-year professional basketball career with the vaunted Boston Celtics. He also spent time playing against the Harlem Globetrotters.
Once the pro career was over, Barrett returned to join the Kansas State staff. He was assistant alumni secretary and later became an assistant basketball coach to Tex Winter. In 1961, he joined the athletic staff as an assistant athletic director in charge of fundraising and promotions under Bebe Lee.
In 1969, Barrett became the school’s athletic director and gained tremendous popularity during his six years in that position (he was the first Kansas-born athlete to lead K-State’s athletic program).
His firm handshake established countless enduring friendships. His success in the office extended well beyond Catbacker gatherings, though. His many administrative accomplishments included the hiring of legendary coach Jack Hartman. He spearheaded fundraising campaigns for KSU Stadium, the athletic dormitory, a campaign for new synthetic turf at KSU Stadium (raising $300,000 in a two-month period), and the R.V. Christian Track and Field Complex.
