Former K-State Athletes Barratti, Leeper Named to KSHOF Class of 2026
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.
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.
The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame now includes 67 representatives with ties to K-State.
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.
BOB BARRATTI – Wichita North H.S., 1965 / Kansas State University
NATHAN LEEPER - Protection H.S. / Kansas State University, 1998
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.
The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame now includes 67 representatives with ties to K-State.
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.
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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