Huntley Project and Shepherd sports teams met for the first time this year in the Battle for the Bridge volleyball game Tuesday evening as it was not only the first time this year, but first time since Covid that both schools were able to participate again in the fundraiser event.
John Barta, a longtime coach, teacher and friend of both communities, passed away from prostate cancer on June 21, 2017. Barta taught Shepherd middle school math and high school PE from 1995-2017.
Long-time friend, Shepherd teacher and event organizer, Craig McKinney, started the event to honor John Barta for all his accomplishments, contributions and support for the community and school over the years. According to McKinney in an interview with YCN Sports & Radio Tuesday evening, Barta worked and secured a PE grant for the Shepherd School District on a PE for over $400,000. All the equipment purchased with the grant money and hard work is now being used by students and the community today. Not only did McKinney know Barta from their college days, he also coached against and with Barta over the years and they became great friends.
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