A Legacy of Lions: The History of Barton College Basketball
Barton College, formerly known as Atlantic Christian College, boasts a rich athletic history, with basketball holding a prominent place. From humble beginnings to a National Championship, the journey of Barton College basketball is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Early Years: Establishing a Foundation
The early years of Atlantic Christian College focused primarily on establishing the institution as a reputable Christian academic center. Athletics, while present, took a backseat to academics. In 1908, baseball was the primary sport, coached by James J. Davis. It wasn't until the second quarter-century that Atlantic Christian College began to experience significant athletic success, including its first championships in both football and basketball. However, the onset of World War II led to limitations and suspensions of athletics at ACC and other North State schools.
Resurgence and Growth (1946-1975)
In 1946, teams in football and men's tennis were re-established, with M.J. "Red" Bird at the helm. The period between 1950 and 1975 marked significant changes. Football was eliminated, but the college joined the Carolinas Conference. The formation of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) provided a platform for smaller schools to compete nationally. During this time, the men's sports lineup expanded to include track and field, tennis, golf, and soccer, with several successful teams and individual athletes emerging.
In 1951, former N.C. State player Gus Andrews became the head basketball coach.
Building a Winning Tradition (1975-2000)
The fourth quarter-century was a period of growth and achievement for Atlantic Christian College athletics. The men's baseball, soccer, and golf teams consistently achieved winning seasons. The men's tennis team, under the guidance of four-time National Coach of the Year Tom Parham, secured two National Championships.
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In 1981, women's softball, played by slow-pitch rules, was introduced as an intercollegiate sport, coached by Dr. Shirley T. Becker. Dr. Beth McCain became the Director of Women's Athletics in 1982.
1983 saw the establishment of the Athletic Hall of Fame, with the inaugural induction banquet honoring H.F. "Buster" Bell ('33), M.J. "Red" Bird, and H.H. "Spoofer" Mullholland ('30). The baseball team, coached by Dr. Todd Wilkinson, consistently performed well.
In 1986, Dr. Allen Sharpe took over as Director of Athletics. A pivotal moment arrived in 1990 when Atlantic Christian College was officially renamed Barton College during the opening convocation on September 6. The men's golf team experienced this transition firsthand, beginning a tournament as Atlantic Christian College and finishing as Barton College.
The men's soccer team, under Head Coach Gary W. Hall, won its first Carolinas Conference championship in 1991. In 1993, the field house at the Outdoor Athletic Complex was completed. The Kennedy Intramural and Recreation Center (KRIC), featuring a gymnasium, elevated track, fitness room, and swimming pool, opened in 1997, named after benefactor K.D. Kennedy, Jr.
The Dawn of a New Era (2000-Present)
The early 2000s brought changes in leadership. In 2003, Dr. James B. Hemby retired as President, succeeded by Dr. Norval C. Kneten. Both Hemby and Kneten served as President of the College's athletic conference. In 2004, the baseball field was named Nixon Field in honor of Dr. William P. Nixon, and in 2005, the softball field was named Jeffries Field in honor of Dr. John D. Jeffries.
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In 2007, Gary W. Hall retired from college soccer coaching after 27 years, assuming the role of Director of Athletics. That same year, the men's basketball team achieved a historic milestone, winning the CVAC championship, the East Region Tournament (hosted by Barton College for the second consecutive year), and the NCAA Division II National Championship in Springfield, MA. Senior Anthony Atkinson's clutch performances, including scoring ten points in the last 45 seconds of the championship game against Winona State University, secured the victory. The team's return to campus was met with an estimated 6,000 cheering supporters.
In 2008, NCAA Division II revised its region plan, placing each member institution in the same region for all sports. Barton College also hosted Mount Olive College in men's basketball, marking the first-ever national telecast of a home athletic event by Fox Sports South. Gary W. Hall was named the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
In 2010, Barton College announced the addition of men's volleyball and women's golf as intercollegiate sports for 2011-12. Jim Freeman was hired as Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach, and John Hackney was named Head Women's Golf Coach, while retaining his duties as Head Men's Golf Coach and Sports Information Director.
Todd Wilkinson retired as Head Baseball Coach in 2011, assuming the role of Assistant Athletic Director and Compliance Coordinator. St. Andrews Presbyterian College left Conference Carolinas that same year. In 2013, John Hackney departed after leading his men's golf teams to 12 consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearances.
Recent Developments and Continued Success
Jim Boykin, Jr. was hired as Head Men's Basketball Coach in 2014. That same year, Barton College won the first of three consecutive Allan R. Sharp Award trophies for Conference Carolinas men's athletics. Gary W. Hall retired as Director of Athletics after 25 years, transitioning to the Office of Institutional Advancement. Todd Wilkinson was promoted to the position, and Hall was named Athletic Director Emeritus.
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In 2015, Dr. Norval C. Kneten retired as President of Barton College, succeeded by Dr. Douglas N. Searcy. Tom Schrecengost departed as Head Coach of Men's and Women's Tennis, replaced by Matt Rowe.
In 2016, Karen Godlock departed as Head Coach of Men's and Women's Cross Country and Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, with David Nicholson taking over those positions. Barton also began its first-ever season of women's lacrosse, under Head Coach Brit Kadlowec.
In 2017, Men's Head Soccer Coach Matt Akins and Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Matt Rowe departed. Warren Shumate was hired as Barton's first-ever Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, with the team beginning competition in 2018.
In 2018, the women's swimming and women's basketball teams claimed Conference Carolinas championships, with women's basketball advancing to the NCAA Tournament. In 2019, Larry Russell earned indoor All-American Men's Track and Field honors in the long jump. The men's volleyball team won its third straight Conference Regular Season Championship and second league tournament title in three years. Chad Balentine resigned as Head Men's and Women's Track and Field and Cross Country Coach, replaced by Tyler Amerson. Ashley Leonard resigned as Head Men's and Women's Golf Coach.
In 2020, Barton's Shanika Peterkin was named the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Player and Defensive Player of the Year, earning All-American accolades.
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