By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The women’s basketball program at Barton Community College was launched in 1977. Over the nearly 50 years, the program has produced 10 Region VI championships, 17 Jayhawk Conference championships, more than 1,000 wins and several Hall of Fame players and coaches. With all the success, Barton has never seen a player quite like Vivian Onugha.
Onugha rewrote the record book at Barton for rebounds this year, now owning the records for most rebounds in a career, most rebounds in a single season and most rebounds in a game.
"She was somewhat raw when she came, but you could definitely see the potential," said Barton coach Alan Clark. "She averaged almost 10 rebounds a game last year, and she had to split some of those with teammate Vera Ojenuwa. There was no doubt that her ability was there."
Coach Clark saw his sophomore center grab 23 rebounds this past Wednesday night in a win over Colby giving her 772 in her career and 458 this year. In doing so, Onugha surpassed the single season and career rebound records that existed since 2008 from Inga Muciniece.
Onugha is averaging 16.4 rebounds per game, which leads the country for D-I women’s junior college basketball. Onugha has recorded 23 double-doubles this year and has 36 in her career.
"Most kids don't get 16 rebounds in a game...ever," said Clark. "She averages that. She's easily the most prolific rebounder in Barton history. She just goes and gets it."
From Nigeria, Onugha enjoyed playing rugby and flag football growing up but jumped at the opportunity to come to the United States to play basketball in Great Bend.
"This is a dream come true to come to the United States to play," said Onugha. I was denied several times to come over, but I never gave up."
The Cougars have two more regular season games left and then the Region VI playoffs for Onugha to add to her record-setting numbers.
"I love the culture and everything about Barton," said Onugha. "I love the Barton family I have here. I had the opportunities to leave last year, but I decided to stay because my coach has been there for me and given me the opportunity to play in the United States."