Rod & Kathy Barkema Warrior Football Scholarship

Rod and Kathy live in Forest City, Iowa, a rural town 2 hours southwest of Winona. They met while in college in Winona and were married there 38 years ago. Their connection to Winona State and Winona remains strong.

Rod was raised on a farm outside of a small town not far from where he lives today. He was a 3-sport athlete at Ventura High School. Rod’s high school football coach and friend, Larry Holstad, played FB for Winona State and later became the athletic director at the University. Larry encouraged Rod to attend Winona State and play football. Rod was a 4-year starter in football as a defensive back, playing for Coach Bob Keister. He earned his BS degree from Winona State in 1976 in K-12 PE/Health with a Driver’s Ed/Coaching endorsement. Rod was a physical education teacher and football and track coach for 32 years, before retiring in 2008.

Kathy grew up in Boston and attended the College of St Teresa (now WSU’s west campus) in Winona where she earned her Biology/Chemistry Education degree – with a coaching endorsement. Kathy taught High School Science (all subjects) for 34 years. She was a swimmer in high school and college and later coached the swim team and junior high volleyball. Kathy also taught at Waldorf University-Forest City in the Health/Wellness Department.

Kathy and Rod return to campus regularly attending football games and other sporting events, are members of the Warrior Club, and never miss a WSU Homecoming. They both treasure their time and experiences while attending college in Winona.

Over the years, Rod & Kathy have watched so many talented and gifted athletes come through WSU’s Warrior athletic programs. After spending their entire careers in education and coaching, and because of their strong connection to WSU, Rod & Kathy decided to create a scholarship to support student athletes in the Warrior football program. Rod & Kathy praise Coach Tom Sawyer for his accomplishments, not only in terms of wins/losses, but also by emphasizing accountability, leadership and high academic standards. Rod and Kathy look forward to helping student athletes succeed.

Scholarship contacts are Rod & Kathy.