Friends of Basketball

Ken Barnhart

Year Inducted: 1990

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Elgin High School

Biography: Ken Barnhart became the personification of Elgin High School basketball. Ken was a die-hard player and fan who graduated from Elgin in 1953, and is the proud father of an Elgin alumnus, who also participated in the Elgin program. As the owner of Ken Barnhart Amoco Service Station since 1959, Barnhart has been a sponsor of many youth, YMCA, church and local men’s teams since 1956. His personal interest and loyalty is reflected by the fact that he’s attended regular Elgin basketball games since 1953, including all IHSA tournament series games. At the time of his induction, Barnhart had owned an Elgin season ticket for 35 years. Since 1959, he has supported Elgin High School Booster Club programs, both personally and financially. He has been an advertising patron in Booster Club programs and has sponsored radio broadcasts for 25 years. He has employed many Maroon athletes on weekends and during the summer. Barnhart has donated toward scholarships for deserving students, both academically and athletically. He has financially supported drug awareness programs in the Elgin community. Barnhart feels most comfortable running the clock and keeping the books as a volunteer–for all levels of play. Elgin basketball is as proud Barnhart is a part of the program as Barnhart is proud of Elgin basketball.