Extra Effort: Keauntrey Barnes a big example for little fans in Farmington

FARMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — He is one of the most exciting football and basketball players in central Illinois.

Even if Farmington’s Keauntrey Barnes isn’t trying to be.

“I’m looking at dunking but that’s not the first thing on my mind,” Barnes admitted. “But I’m focused on defense and doing everything else right. But when the chance comes I like to put on a show.”

With his dunks, blocked shots and acrobatic plays, Barnes is a fan favorite with the Farmers. He’ll take his high flying act to Kirkwood Community College to play hoops next year.

But as popular as Barnes is on the football field and basketball floor, he might be more popular at the grade school in Farmington. That’s where he is a regular visitor to read and hang out with young students.

“It’s a great bonding experience,” Barnes said. “They come out and support us and cheer us on, so I can at the very least go down and be friends with them and read them books.”

Barnes has made it a priority as a senior to get with young students as much as possible.

“He’s probably signed more autographs than Taylor Swift,” Farmington basketball coach Marty Lozier said with a smile. “He is idolized by those young kids. He gives back them, he acknowledges them, comes to their (basketball) games, refs for them in Hanna City. He is as unselfish in real life as he is on the court.”

And that’s what Barnes feels his mark is at Farmington. Beyond the touchdowns and baskets made, he realizes he is a role model for the next generation of students.

Every thing I do, they’ll take after. I don’t want to be a bad leader,” Barnes said. “I’m trying to do the best I can in the classroom and outside of that. I want to make an impact. I feel like I’m doing that. Overall, it’s a great growing experience with the little kids as well.”

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