Southeast Missouri State University Interim Director of Athletics Brady Barke was inducted into the Webster Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 20, for his achievements as a two-sport athlete in basketball and golf. Barke was a 2004 graduate of Webster and has taken over the director of athletics' duties since Mark Alnutt left last summer.

Barke thrived in basketball throughout his years at Webster. He is in the top 20 in almost every all-time record at the school. These include: 10th in career scoring (1,115), sixth in career 3-point field goals made (140), fifth in career free throws made (219), 14th in career rebounds (357) and tied for 10th in career blocked shots (41). Barke also led his team in scoring for three consecutive years from 2000 to 2003. Barke was a three-time St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Conference selection and an Academic All-Conference member for three years as well.

Webster's basketball coach, Chris Bunch, spoke highly of Barke as a basketball player and as a person.

"Out of the 14 years I've been at Webster, [Barke] was one of the best players I've coached," said Bunch

Bunch, who coached Barke for his final two years of playing basketball, presented Barke with the award and said he was honored to do so. Bunch praised the work ethic Barke had while being a two-sport athlete.

"[Barke] was the epitome of a student-athlete," Bunch said. "He was very involved outside of sports with the school."

Barke said he did a lot for student life while at Webster, which isn't often seen from an athlete, let alone a two sport athlete.

Barke also said two-sport athletes aren't often seen anymore in college.

"Times have changed," Barke said. "Now you pick a sport and specialize in that."

Bunch credited Barke's success as a basketball player with his ability to play off the ball. Barke was able to play away from the ball to allow him to get open and get some good shots. With all the shots he took, Barke went to the free throw line often, and it paid off. Being fifth for the most free throws made in a career at Webster, Barke also holds the single-season free throw percentage in 2003, where he went 12-13 with 0.872 while making 95 of 109 free throws that season.

Barke was a national finalist for the Jostens Trophy in 2004. It is a prestigious award given to one individual for his basketball ability, his academic ability and community service in Division III athletics.

Barke has used his success to lead him off the court and in the offices at Southeast.

"My experience in college has driven me as a professional to have success," Barke said. "What we do at Southeast is a reflection of what I was able to have in college."