W. Quentin Barnette

W. Quentin Barnette was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1996.

A Charleston native, Barnette was a standout athlete at Charleston High School and went on to play football at WVU from 1939-42. He played both end and quarterback, captaining the team during a senior season that featured a 24–0 shutout of Penn State. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and was selected to participate in the North-South College Football Game.

After graduating, Barnette served in the U.S. Army and returned to West Virginia to coach and teach at Princeton High School, where he led the football team to 49 wins and captured a state basketball title in 1948. In 1950, he returned to WVU as a faculty member and coach in the School of Physical Education. He guided the Mountaineer freshman basketball team to a 189–39 record—including undefeated seasons in 1957 and 1960—and coached freshman football while also serving on Art “Pappy” Lewis’s staff.

Barnette later earned a master’s degree in education and completed additional coursework for administrative certification. He worked as an athletic director and physical education coordinator in New Jersey before returning to Princeton High School as a teacher and advisor.

He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Barnette passed away in 1992 at the age of 72.