Apr 13, 2026 | Track & Field, Athletics
MANHATTAN, Kansas – In an announcement by the State of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, former K-State standouts Bob Barratti (track and field) and Nathan Leeper (track and field) will be inducted and recognized as members of the Class of 2026.
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In addition to Barratti and Leeper, former K-State freshman football player Steve Crosby also received induction for his achievements at Fort Hays State after departing K-State and his 33-year career in the NFL as a player, scout and assistant coach.
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The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame now includes 67 representatives with ties to K-State.
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The Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. Tickets for the event are $75 and may be purchased online at kshof.org.
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BOB BARRATTI – Wichita North H.S., 1965 / Kansas State University
NATHAN LEEPER - Protection H.S. / Kansas State University, 1998
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In addition to Barratti and Leeper, former K-State freshman football player Steve Crosby also received induction for his achievements at Fort Hays State after departing K-State and his 33-year career in the NFL as a player, scout and assistant coach.
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The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame now includes 67 representatives with ties to K-State.
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The Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. Tickets for the event are $75 and may be purchased online at kshof.org.
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BOB BARRATTI – Wichita North H.S., 1965 / Kansas State University
- 1969 NCAA Indoor champion in 4x800 relay
- K-State letterwinner from 1969-70
- Member of Kansas State's two-mile world record relay team.
- Graduated from Wichita North High School. Was a seven-time Kansas state high school champion in track and two-time state cross country champion (1966-67)
- Had the fastest time in the nation in the 880-yard, mile and two-mile runs during his senior year. He broke Jim Ryun's high school half mile record of 1:50.6.
NATHAN LEEPER - Protection H.S. / Kansas State University, 1998
- 2000 US Olympic team member, finishing 11th
- Top-ranked US high jumper in 2000 and 2001
- 1998 NCAA Outdoor National Champion for K-State in the high jump
- 1998 NCAA Indoor Championships; 12th place
- Competed for Dodge City Community College and Kansas State. NJCAA national indoor and outdoor national champion
- Two-time Kansas state high jump and one-time triple jump state champion at Protection High School.
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