Brian Barta played tight end for Pitt State from 2005-07. The La Crosse, Kansas, native finished his career as a two-time All-MIAA performer. He caught 22 passes for 261 yards and eight touchdowns during his career. Barta also earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors his senior season, and he was a member of the MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll. He currently works for Wendling Noe Nelson & Johnson LLC in Topeka. Barta is an auditor for the firm. He’s currently preparing for the CPA exam. Brian married his college sweetheart, Ellie Graul from Paola, Kansas, on May 2, 2009.
Brian would also like you to know that he is really good looking. He said, “Everybody knows it already, but it never hurts to remind them.”
1. What does being a Pitt State Gorilla mean to you?
It’s being part of a family. Each family member is expected to give everything of themselves for everyone else. It’s a family built on pride and tradition.
2. What is the one attribute of PSU that was most influential in making the decision to attend PSU over all of the other schools that recruited you?
It was definitely the rich tradition. I wanted to go to a school that expected to be the best every year. Being able to compete at a high level was important to me.
3. What makes Pittsburg State such a special place for a student-athlete? What is your favorite thing about the town?
It’s a great environment for a student-athlete to thrive. The smaller classes and individual attention the professors can provide is truly beneficial to students trying to juggle all the class work along with the responsibilities that come with being an athlete. The community support is outstanding for all aspects of the University but especially Gorilla Football.
4. Can you tell us about a memorable experience or moment that you had while in Pittsburg that was non-football related?
Really….You want me to start pulling stories out???
Pittsburg is a great college town. It has everything you’d need to have a great college experience. Let’s just leave the details to the imagination.
5. You are another one of the many exceptional Gorillas that we’ve had in the classroom, as well as on the field. Do you feel that the education you received here prepared you for your future and has helped you achieve some of your career goals?
I definitely do. The skills and knowledge that I have learned and developed at Pitt State have allowed me to start on a path that looks very promising. The accounting world may not be as exciting as Saturdays in “The Jungle” but it’s rewarding in other ways.
6. Without a doubt, student-athletes at the collegiate level have a lot on their plates and have to manage their time wisely. Was this something that you ever struggled with? In your time playing for the Gorillas, how did carrying the extra responsibility affect you?
I had goals and expectations for myself on and off the field. There were some late night cram sessions. However, I can’t say that I was overwhelmed. It was just a matter of knowing what you had to do and then getting it done.
7. You came to PSU after spending a couple of years playing at Garden City Community College leaving you with just three seasons in Pittsburg. Yet when we ask people about you, they tell us that you take as much pride or more in being a Gorilla as all of the four and five year guys that have played here. What is it about Pitt State football that allowed you to inherit so much pride in being a Gorilla?
When I came to Pitt I found something that JuCo was missing. It wasn’t every man for himself anymore. I felt accepted since I first stepped foot on campus. The bonds that teammates share grow extremely strong when they share passion and expectations to be the very best. I was surrounded by a great group of men that would have given anything if I would have asked them. K.A.W.C.
8. Could you give us a recent example of how much pride you still take in being a part of the Gorilla family?
I had the opportunity to attend the football banquet last weekend. Everyone knows that last season wasn’t the high point for most Gorillas, but I wanted to be there to thank the men that I had played with personally and remind them that their careers are not defined in a single season. I’m extremely proud to be associated with each of them.
9. Tell us about your experience playing for Coach Tim Beck. What was that relationship like? How did he treat you as a player? What quality does he have as a coach that you enjoyed the most?
I loved playing for Coach Beck. He has been dedicated to coaching at Pitt State almost as long as I’ve been alive. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Beck. As a coach he demands nothing less than perfection. He shows great trust in his players and their abilities. Even if that means we run 36 G-Option until the cows come home. His hard work and dedication set the tone at the top and he is just the man to lead the Pitt State Gorillas. I do have to give a shout-out to Larry Garman. He has been a great mentor and coach to me over the years.
10. Lastly, if you can think of just one, what was your single favorite moment while playing at PSU?
Playing at Pitt State has given me many great memories and countless friends to share them with. I’d have to say one of the things I most enjoyed about playing at Pitt were Andy Majors Friday night speeches. I was so pumped after our meetings I would have the hardest time falling asleep. He could have led me into the fires of hell and I would have followed. I guess all I need to say (for those that were there)……BOOM!
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