Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Howard Barnhardt was a standout player on the football team from 1961-63. A 1964 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne, Barnhardt helped the Bears to a 23-8-1 mark during that three-year span including a 11-1 mark in 1962 with a berth in the NAIA Playoffs. Barnhardt's senior season in 1963 saw him earn second-team NAIA All-American honors as the center and team captain.  Barnhardt was also a two-time All-Carolinas Conference and all-district selection.  Barnhardt, who earned his master's degree from Appalachain State in 1966, taught and coached for six years before entering the life insurance business in 1971. From there, Barnhardt became a CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) in 1978 and made the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) for fifteen years.  He is licensed in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.  Active in the community, Barnhardt had two sons: Brett and Chad.