Knowing Expectations
Drew Barnhart’s senior basketball season is in full swing six years after sister Mary graduated from Alma following her own successful four-year basketball career with the Scots.
Drew is making his own way in Maroon and Cream. He is vice president of Fellowship for Christian Athletes and involved in the Alma in the World mentoring program. He has medical school on the horizon after he graduates with a degree in biology in the spring.
His road to Alma, however, took a bit of a detour. After graduating from West Branch Ogemaw Heights, Drew headed to Spring Arbor to play basketball. His sister had just graduated from Alma and his father, James, a 1975 alumnus of the College, also played basketball for the Scots.
While Spring Arbor continues to be a worthy competitor, Drew just couldn’t get comfortable and turned to Alma College.
He admits that it was the right decision.
Comfort. Respect. Team.
These are the words he uses to describe his team, teammates and friends and head coach Ed Kohtala. Under the direction of Kohtala, Alma has turned into a legitimate contender that teams can’t overlook.
Drew was selected by his teammates as captain in his junior season and again this year. Prior to the season, Kohtala already looked to Barnhart as a leader on the floor and beyond practice after he returned to campus bigger and stronger after a productive off-season.
Drew also speaks to the bonds that he has formed with not just teammates but coaches and friends in his time at Alma.
With medical school looming, a season of basketball in the balance, and the anticipation of graduation, Drew knows about expectation.
“No one pushes it,” says Drew as he gets ready for a late afternoon practice early in the season. “Mary really made her mark here, so there has to be expectations.”
What Drew might not realize just yet is the mark he has already left on the program and his teammates.
— Lindsay Carpenter '02
