Ernie Barrett, “Mr. K-State,” passed away Friday morning in Manhattan at the age of 93. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 27 at Bramlage Coliseum with an event in the Shamrock Zone, according to Tom Gilbert, director of men’s basketball dispatches. Both the service and the event are open to the public. According to Gilbert, Barrett is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bonnie, his son Brad and grandson Ryan, and his wife Lauren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Ruby, and his son, Duane. “Ernie Barrett will always be a shining example of what it means to be a K-Stater,” said K-State President Dr. Richard Linton.” From his legendary success at K-State – on and off the court – to his successes in the NBA and, later, his transition as the university’s director of calisthenics, Ernie epitomized the work legacy, reliability, and tenacity of the Wildcat spirit.
We always celebrate Mr. K-State, and we recognize all that he accomplished for our great university. According to Gilbert, Barrett was born in Pratt on August 27, 1929. He called Wellington his home and later led Wellington High School to its only state crown as an all-state basketball player in 1947. He was born in Fogg, Kansas, to Allen and Oklahoma State’s Henry Ibache stayed away from an elite academy, but Barrett chose K-State.
which began a long tenure in 1948 when he entered the university as a rookie basketball player after Hall of Fame head coach Jack Gardner and beginners trainer and Hall of Famer Fred “Tex” Winter. attachment “This is a sad day for Kansas State University,” said Director of Athletics Gene Taylor. Ernie Barrett poured his heart and soul into K-State an incredible 75-plus times, and we would not be where we are as an institution and as a calisthenics program without him.
He was always thinking about the opinions I made and that meant the world to me. His iconic handshake will forever flashback as a symbol of his care and love for the people and the state of Kansas. Our prayers and prayers are with Bonnie and the entire Barrett family. According to Gilbert, Barrett was a two-time college graduate. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1951 and a master’s degree in journalism in 1956. During Barrett’s nearly 75-year career with the university, he served as a student-athlete from 1948-1951, assistant basketball trainer from 19658, assistant calisthenics director from 1963-1969, 1969- Director of Calisthenics from 1975, University Counselor from 1988-1991 and Director of Development from 1991-2007..”
With the handshakes and leverage his establishment was known for, Ernie lived well in his neck and credibly. I am blessed to be a part of him as the men’s basketball coach at his alma mater,” said head men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang.” He might be the greatest Wildcat of all time. In his nearly 75-time association with this great academy, he has accomplished almost everything you can imagine, from playing in the Final Four to hiring Hall of Fame coaches to help our brigades play in moments. He was there before every home game.
He came to visit me and gave me and my staff a terrible hello for the first time. No bone loved this university and its basketball platoon more than he did. My love and prayers to his wife Bonnie, son Brad and their families. What a great life.” Courtesy of K-State Sports of Barrett at the University of Kentucky from 2018 helps K-State men’s basketball platoon. Gilbert Barrett has many accomplishments to his name. As a student-athlete, he was captain of the 1950-1951 platoon that opened Ahern Field House, At the same time he guided the Wildcats to the Final Four as the academy’s first contract American.
As an assistant coach for Winter, he was part of two Final Fours in 1959 and 1964 and five Big Eight titles from 1958-1964. As calisthenics director and fund-raiser, he was an outstanding trainer in 1970 as a men’s basketball coach. Essential in recruiting Jack Hartman and Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Colbert Hills Golf Course, Christian RV Stadium, Christian V. Track and Field Complex.
