Being a great running back in college translated into an even greater career as a high school football coach for the late John “Jay” Barrett.
Barrett was a fullback on the football team for three seasons at Indiana State University (then Indiana State Teacher’s College). He led the team in rushing as a sophomore in 1956 and was second on the team in scoring. After an injury cut short his junior season, Barrett returned for his senior campaign and led the team with 69 carries for 209 yards (3.2 yards per carry average). He was captain of the Indiana State football team in 1958 and earned 1958 All-Indiana Collegiate Conference mention as a fullback under Coach Bill Jones.
His outstanding collegiate career was followed by an impressive career as a high school coach at Terre Haute Schulte, Indianapolis Scecina Memorial, Rockville, and West Vigo. In 31 years of coaching, Barrett accumulated a record of 164-135-4 making him the winningest football coach in Wabash Valley history while posting undefeated seasons at Scecina, Schulte, and Rockville. He also coached track, swimming, and wrestling while teaching physical education, biology, health, and driver’s education during his career.
He was inducted into the first class of the Wabash Valley Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2005 along with Bob Clements, John Fallis, Paul “Spike” Kelly, Dick Martin, and Pete Varda.
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Led team in rushing as sophomore, second on team in scoring with three touchdowns (1956)
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Led team with 69 carries for 209 yards (3.2 yards per carry average) … had one reception for 31 yards … was 1-for-1 in passing for 10 yards. (1958)
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Inducted into the first class of the Wabash Valley Coaches Association Hall of Fame. (2005)
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Coached at Schulte High School, Indianapolis Scecina Memorial High School, Rockville High School and West Vigo High School … accumulated career mark of 164-135-4
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Inducted into Hall of Fame October 9, 2010
