By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
If you walk into the gym at the Kirkman Activity Center at Barton Community College, you will notice 60 banners recognizing the college’s national championships. Of all the titles, 58 of them are won by the track and field and cross country programs.
In early March, the Cougar women’s track and field team won the NJCAA Indoor National Championship. Less than a month later, the Barton men’s basketball team won a national title.
Barton Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Johnson understands track and field does not always get the limelight, but the accomplishments are remarkable.
"As a board and administration, we know what a phenomenal program Barton has had in track but you're at a little bit of a disadvantage," said Johnson. "The community can't really get involved because of the situation with no home track meets. All of your events are away from home. It is phenomenal what track has done. As a college community, we are really in awe of what you have accomplished."
The Trustees took time to recognize both the women’s track and field team and the men’s basketball team at their study session on Tuesday. David Schenek, in his 15th year as track coach at Barton, has won multiple national championships with the Cougars.
"I think greatness surrounds greatness," said Schenek. "If we continue to surround all of these teams with more teams that can do the same thing, continue to support these programs and win national titles...why not? Why not have, not just the greatest track team in the country but the greatest basketball program, the greatest athletic department to go along with the greatest community college in the country."
Volleyball is the other Barton sport to win a national championship in 2003.