Dr. Barry Winkler, a former professor at Oakland University, has recently been awarded an honorary membership in the men’s basketball team. He was present for the team’s conference championship victory and will be in attendance to show his support during their upcoming NCAA tournament game on Saturday.
Having joined the university in 1971 as a professor at the Eye Research Institute, Dr. Winkler established a connection with the team after introducing himself to the coaching staff. His passion for the sport originated from his time playing basketball at Binghamton University in New York. Despite retiring in 2021, Winkler maintained a close relationship with the basketball program and became deeply involved with the team.
Dr. Winkler expressed his delight in being able to observe the team’s practices in the gym, particularly relishing the solitude of being the sole unaffiliated individual present. His dedication to the team was further demonstrated when he accompanied them to an away game against the University of Dayton, marking his first time traveling with the team to an event outside the university.
Reflecting on his experiences, Winkler shared his excitement, comparing the trip to his own cherished memories of bus trips from years past. Following the team’s impressive victory over the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Dr. Winkler promptly made arrangements to travel to Pittsburgh to show his support for the Golden Grizzlies in their next game.
With the upcoming game against North Carolina State, the Oakland University men’s basketball team is eager to secure a spot in the Sweet 16. Coach Jack Gohlke believes that the addition of Dr. Winkler to the team has had a positive impact and credits him for his valuable presence and support throughout the season.