Slow Motion Replay: Kenneth Ray “Ken” Barrett, Russellville High @khsaafootball, @KyHighFootball, @minguabeefjerky, @bigassfans, @CountyMustangs, @RVKPanthers

They called him “Coach;” Coach loved the Lord, loved his family…

Ken Barrett, or “Coach” as he was called around western Kentucky, graduated from Butler High School (Princeton, KY), served in the Navy, then returned to WKU where he played football and baseball in college. In 1976, Coach took over the reigns at Russellville (KY) High School where he led them to 162-wins, three (3) WKC championships, eight (8) Regional Championships, 10 District titles, an undefeated regular season in 1984, and KHSAA championships in 1980, ’83, and ’90) while finishing runner-up in 1987. Coach demanded respect and believed in discipline. The field is named for him in Russellville. He was enshrined in the Dawahares, KHSAA Hall of Fame in 1996. Perhaps a finer man has NEVER coached high school football in Kentucky history. May be rest in peace.

HB Lyon, Scouting Director, “KPGFootball”

Russellville, KY: Most people who ever played football for Ken Barrett just called him “Coach.” Barrett coached the Russellville Panthers from 1976-1997; was inducted into the KHSAA Dawahares Hall of Fame in 1996; and the field, at Rhea Stadium, was named for him in 2017.

Barrett was born on January 23, 1931. Barrett would pass from this world on August 24, 2024.

I remember well his passing. It seemed the very personification of football on the western end of Kentucky has passed.

Ken Barrett was much more than just a man. Ken Barrett was a “Coach.” To be more accurate, Ken Barrett was the “Coach” to many, many people.

Barrett was asked once how he wished to be remembered prior to his own passing. Coach’s answer said a ton about him.

“I loved the Lord. I loved my family. I was an honest man, even if you didn’t agree with me. All I ever strived for was to make a difference in the lives of young people through sports, discipline, encouragement, and (most of all) love,” Ken Barrett.

Yep, that seems to sum him up pretty well. Like some of the old school coaches of the day, Barrett had been an “Ace” athlete himself prior to coaching.

Barrett played running back and corner for the Hilltoppers at WKU. Barrett also played the “hot corner” (3rd base) and in the outfield for the WKU baseball team.

Barrett took the Russellville job in 1976. From ’76 to ’97, Barrett turned the Panthers into the most feared and formidable small school football powerhouse on Kentucky’s western end.

Barrett retired with an overall, 243-153 record. Barrett’s record, at Russellville, was 162-103.

Barrett led the Panthers to three (3) all WKC Championships, eight (8) Regional Championships, and 10 District Championships. The Panthers were undefeated in the regular season in 1984, while winning three KHSAA 1A titles in 1980, 1983, and 1990 and finishing runners-up in 1987.

Coach’s first KHSAA 1A title was special to him. Coach Barrett’s son, Keb Barrett, quarterbacked that team.

Coach had a few favorite sayings. One of his favorites was “Good things happen to good people.” Barrett preached, throughout his life, “Faith, Family, and Football.” 

Ken Barrett poured his heart and soul into the Panther program. Barrett poured his heart and soul into the men who played for him.

Barrett loved the Lord. Barrett loved his family. Barrett was an honest man.

At the end of the day, doesn’t this just kind of say it all? Ken Barrett fans would say so.

Then again, what the heck do we know?

This is Friday Night Fletch, reporting for KPGFootball, reminding you to PLAY THROUGH THE WHISTLE!

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