Mr. Brian Barnhart graduated from Unity High School in 1982 and earned his bachelors degree in radio/television broadcasting from Liberty University in 1986. He began his broadcasting career as an undergraduate in 1984 by broadcasting several sporting events for Liberty University. In 1986, Barnhart began his professional broadcasting career, serving as the play-by-play voice of the Lynchburg Mets and Salem Buccaneers before moving up to the Oklahoma City 89'ers, the Class AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers, from 1988-1994. Mr. Barnhart announced high school football and other sport play-by-play for 11 years and was the voice for Oklahoma Baptist basketball from 1992-1994 and Oklahoma City Blazers minor league hockey in 1993. From 1996-1998, he broadcast news, sports and play-by-play at WWLS in Oklahoma City. Brian served as a professional broadcaster and the play-by-play voice for the Anaheim Angels before taking the position of news and sports announcer at WDWS-AM 1400. Mr. Barnhart has worked more than 2,000 sporting events during his 17-year career. In 2002, Mr. Barnhart was named the "Voice of the Illini" as he was hired to announce both Illinois football and men's basketball on the Illini Sports Network. Mr. Barnhart is honored to carry on the long standing tradition of Illini sports and describes the opportunity as "the highlight of my career: Mr. Barnhart resides in Champaign with his wife, Jennifer, and children Lauren and Michelle.