Barker is a 1965 graduate of Reidsville High School in Rockingham County where he wrestled and played baseball. He attended UNC-Wilmington from 1965 to 1969 where he wrestled and played soccer. At Wilmington, Barker was recognized as “most improved” in soccer (1967), received the “Coaches Award” in wrestling (1968, 1969), and earned a spot on the Dean’s List (1969). After graduating from college, Barker began a 39 ½ year career in education as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. As a coach, Barker is remembered by his athletes as a man who emphasized personal responsibility and accountability. He started the Junior High and High School programs at Wentworth in 1970 and coached at Reidsville Junior High in 1971. Then it was at Morehead High School where, between 1971 and 1982, he laid the groundwork for one of North Carolina’s most decorated high school programs. At Morehead, Barker earned a reputation as an innovator and a thinker. He broadcast matches live on the radio, organized half time performances by the pep band and dance teams, promoted youth wrestling in the community, started the Eden Holiday Classic, and even hosted an outdoor wrestling match (complete with fireworks) against a Norwegian team on July 4, 1976. Barker went on to serve as the head coach at Starmount (1984-85), Ragsdale (1985-90), and East Wake (2003-05) High Schools. Barker also restored the wrestling program at Holmes Junior High in 1992 after a three-year absence. His career record as a high school coach was 223-69-1. His career record as a Junior High coach was 35-5. In 19 seasons as a head coach, his teams won 11 conference championships and Barker was named conference coach-of-the-year six times. Barker coached two All-Americans, six state champions, and ten state finalists. Eight of his Junior High wrestlers would win high school state titles and 18 of his wrestlers would compete in collegiate programs. His 1978 Morehead team finished 3rd in the state tournament, only 1.5 points out of 1st place. Wayne’s passion for wrestling was passed on to his son David, a founder of the Super 32, one the nation’s top wrestling tournaments. David (2023) and Wayne Barker are just the second father and son inducted into the North Carolina Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.