Hall of Fame
JOHN BARRY BATSON
Athlete
Class of 1988
Men’s Basketball
John distinguished himself as a leader both on and off the court for the McKendree men’s basketball program. A four-year varsity performer, John was a three-year starter at point guard for the Bearcats during their initial rise to NAIA national prominence. His offensive and defensive skills played a hand in 92 victories during this four-year span. John scored 1,211 career points, becoming a member of the Bearcats’ 1,000-Point Club. John’s knack for finding the open player on the floor enabled him to lead the team in assists throughout his playing days. He also proved his skills as a tenacious defender and playmaker for the Bearcats.
As a senior, John was a starter on a McKendree team that led the NAIA in scoring at better than 105 points per contest. That year, he earned honorable mention All-District 20 honors. John completed requirements for a bachelor’s degree in 1988. Among his most successful post-McKendree ventures is the founding of the First Step Youth Foundation, a not-for-profit basketball, mentoring and tutoring organization in the greater Chicago area.
