Barkey entered coaching at UCSB as an assistant to head coach Art Gallon in 1958. He served two years as an assistant while completing his Masters Degree and in 1960 was appointed the Head Basketball Coach at the College of San Mateo. In 1962, he was asked to return to UCSB as top assistant. He served in this capacity for four years, and following Coach Gallon’s retirement, was named head basketball coach at his alma mater in 1966.
Barkey remained UCSB’s head coach for 12 years, compiling a record of 169-144. It was UCSB’s first years as a member of the NCAA’s Division I level. Highlights included the 20-6 mark in 1970-71, victories over three defending Division I champions, two consecutive victories over Stanford and a resounding win over Illinois State University.
Barkey was inducted into UCSB’s Athletic Hall of Fame a second time in the “Coach” category. He is the only former Gaucho to be selected in both categories. He is most proud of three Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table plaques that adorn his wall, naming him the “College Coach of the Year” three different years.
After leaving UCSB in 1978, Barkey entered athletic administration at Cal State Fullerton and then in 1979 at UC Irvine before accepting the Athletic Director’s position at Sonoma State University in 1981. He retired in January of 1997 and was inducted into Sonoma State’s Athletic Hall of Fame in March of 2003.
Barkey and his wife Diarie have been married 47 years and live in Lincoln, California. They have two children, Leslye and John, who are raising their own families in Davis and San Rafael.
Hop Studios
You must be logged in to post a comment.