University of Memphis Athletics
M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1980
John Henry Barnhill was born and raised in Savannah, Tennessee, and enrolled in West Tennessee State Normal School (now The University of Memphis) in 1923. Over a two year period, Barnhill would earn eight letters in four different sports and demonstrated his leadership by being selected as captain of all four sports teams. An outstanding offensive lineman, he set and held the Memphis 100-yard dash record for 32 years, 1923-55. Barnhill was also elected president of the student body, the only freshman in school history to be so honored. He transferred to Tennessee in 1925 and continued his storied athletic career. He became an assistant coach at UT in 1929 and remained in that capacity until 1940 when he was named as head coach. Through 1945 he compiled an overall record of 32-5-2 which is still UT’s highest winning percentage. In 1946 Barnhill took over the University of Arkansas program and led the Razorbacks to the SWC championship. He relinquished his football duties in 1950 to become athletic director. Barnhill died in October 1973.
