On Jan. 18th, Bill Barrie, former Hitchcock-Tulare coach, was inducted into the 281 Conference Hall of Fame.
“It is an honor.” Barrie said. There are so many great people in our conference – and to be recognized by your peers is something special.”
Barrie was also an athletic director, and a teacher – first at Hitchcock School, then at Hitchcock-Tulare.
He contributed to the 281 Conference for 29 years.
Barrie said “I think that teaching and coaching in Hitchcock and Hitchcock-Tulare and raising my kids there will be something that I will cherish forever. I was fortunate enough to teach and coach all 5 of my kids while at the schools.”
Hitchcock-Tulare superintendent Jeff Clark said “Mr. Barrie truly loves sports and enjoyed seeing the advancement of athletics for students not only at Hitchcock-Tulare but across the 281 Conference, the region, and the entire state of South Dakota.”
“I can’t see a better way to honor his work as a coach and athletic director than to see him inducted into the 281 Conference Hall of Fame.” Clark added.
The 281 Conference includes the following schools: Doland; Highmore-Harrold; Hitchcock-Tulare; Iroquois; James Valley Christian; Lake Preston; Sandborn Central; Sunshine Bible Academy; Wessington Springs; Wolsey-Wessington; and Woonsocket.
Barrie explained “It is the athletic directors of the conference who decide on the Hall of Fame. It is based on years of service in the areas of coaching and Athletic Directing – so basically service in the Conference itself.”

Barrie graduated from Doland School in 1987, and went on to Northern State University. He was awarded a teaching degree in Industrial Technology, History, and Physical Education.
Starting in 1992, he taught Physical Education, Social Studies, and Industrial Technology in Hitchcock.
He also served as the middle school and high school principal, and as Dean of Students.
Barrie coached – at all levels – for 29 years. He coached cross country, basketball, and track and field.
Cross country highlights included: Leading the H-T Lady Patriots to a State Runner-up finish in 1993; and being named Region 3 cross country Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1996
He coached boys basketball for 10 years, and girls basketball for 3.
“But everyone knows his greatest love is the sport of Track and Field.” his bio said.
Barrie coached Track and Field for 29 years. He led teams to 5 Region track titles, and to 8 titles in the 281 Conference.
He was Athletic Director for 19 years. He was awarded the Athletic Director of the Year for Region 3 honor in 2021. He served as the 281 Conference Chairman for his last 3 years at Hitchcock-Tulare School.
Superintendent Clark said “Bill Barrie was an integral part of athletics for a long time as a teacher, coach, and administrator at the Hitchcock School District and Hitchcock-Tulare School District. Both schools were longtime members of the 281 Conference.”
Clark continued, “He coached a variety of sports including cross country, basketball and track. He also served for several years as athletic director where he helped support and encourage athletes, coaches, and teams to be their best. Later in his time at Hitchcock-Tulare he served as the 281 Conference Chairman, where he had the ability to impact schools, teams, and athletes all across the great 281 Conference.”
Barrie described himself as “grateful for the honor.” In his bio, he thanked “All past and present 281 Conference coaches, administrators – and especially the athletic directors – for all their hard work to make the 281 Conference one of the best in South Dakota.”
It stated “He has had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful student-athletes over the years, and would like to thank Hitchcock-Tulare communities for allowing him the opportunity to coach and serve as athletic director.”
He thanked his family, and said he “Considers his wife, kids, and grandkids the center of his world.”
Barrie currently teaches Technical Education classes at Red Rock School in Minnesota. He is also an assistant track coach.
He and his wife LeeAnn live in Lamberton, MN. Barrie has 5 children and 1 stepson.