Supportive community came to cheer students versus staff at Tony Barlow Charity Games
Strong community support benefited DEFY - Domestic Abuse - at the Tony Barlow Charity Games on March 19.
Willowbrook Middle School was home to a dynamic environment on Thursday, March 19, 2026 where the Tony Barlow Games brought out the best in remembrance with fierce competition as students played volleyball and basketball in student-versus-staff matches.
Action kicked off with a series of volleyball games. Super volleys and occasional body hits to the floor caused a variety of reactions and loud cheers filling the George A. Palmer gymnasium.
Results of the games show that the staff lost to the WMS girls varsity volleyball team with scores of 25-6 and 25-7 and to the boys varsity basketball team with a score of 30-26.
Making these games extra special was the fact that a Barlow grandson, Sal, who is in high school, played on the staff basketball team.
Between the volleyball and basketball games, event organizer Mike Rhines introduced Tony Barlow's family, his father Sam, mother Bev, sister Amanda, and Amanda's son, Sal Orlandi.
Behind the heart and soul of the games is an opportunity to collect non-perishable food items. Money from the concession stand goes to DEFY- Domestic Abuse- Beloit Center, a 37-year tradition.The area organization is part of Family Services of Southern Wisconsin, supported by the United Way Blackhawk Region.
Rhines then gave a warm welcome to Angela Luton and Yesenia Jimenez of DEFY, where support is shown to women and their children.
This year a whole Jeep was filled with non-perishable canned goods, along with $805 in cash which was delivered to DEFY.
Rhines introduced the evening's referees. Alumnus Ada Coomer was the volleyball referee.
Mike Babicz and Randy Steen are two IHSA referees from Antioch who oversaw the basketball games.
Marianne Mueller
Rhines shared the background of Tony Barlow and the games. Barlow was an eighth grader at Prairie Hill School, from which he graduated in 1990. Barlow was an athlete, playing baseball at Prairie Hill Middle School in pick-up leagues, and on after-school softball teams.
“This was back when the school was one building with a kindergarten through eighth grade, before Willowbrook Middle School was opened,” Rhines said.
Tony was the student who came up with the idea for the charity game, asking his coach, Rich Gurnett, if his 8th-grade basketball team could play a game against the teachers.
“Tony approached me in his 8th-grade year, in 1989-1990,” Rhines said, “wanting to play the staff in a basketball game. I talked to his family who supported the idea.”
Tony died on Aug. 10, 1994, just one day before what would have been his 18th birthday, as a result of a hit and run accident. A memorial cross remains in that location.
This event was renamed “The Tony Barlow Charity Games” on Thursday, March 21, 2024 with a re-dedication at Willowbrook School, 30 years after his passing.
“Tony Barlow played the trumpet in our band, which is why our shirts that we had made a few years ago had a trumpet on one side, and a basketball on the other,” Rhines said.
Rhines added, “Tonight, our band, (directed by Kira Crippen) is going to lead everyone in the school song and the National Anthem.”
“We also have Mrs. G., (music educator Hayley Gotzsche) our Golden Apple winner with her Golden Apple choir who led in singing of our national anthem, accompanied by the band.”
Tony's love of music started in the Phantom Regiment in the pre-cadet program for 7-10-year-olds, at age 10, with his sister Amanda joining him. It was there that future State Representative John Cabello taught Tony how to play the trumpet.
While a Hononegah student, he played in the marching band and the jazz band, also playing at various events, including Old Settlers Days.
On behalf of the Barlow and Orlandi families, “This was our third year for the Tony Barlow Charity Game.” Bev Barlow said, “Our oldest grandson, Sal, was able to join the game which made it even more special. I want to thank everyone for making this such a beautiful event. You are forever in all of our hearts.”
Remembering Tony beyond the games
Tony is remembered as a son, brother, friend, and a hard worker. He shared his love of Frank Sinatra with those he loved. He was said to be like a brother to many friends and neighbors. Tony was young, but wise beyond his years.
After he graduated from HCHS, Barlow worked on a pig farm, where he baled hay. He also babysat and was in an apprenticeship with Bohn Air Conditioning.
Tony's life made an impact even after his passing, as his organs were donated, saving five lives.
Jeff Spielman was the recipient of his kidney and pancreas. In a show of gratitude, Spielman sponsored a $1,500 scholarship in Tony Barlow's name for HCHS students who were going to pursue music. This scholarship continued for five years.
The Barlows also met the lady who received Tony's heart and most of the other people who received an organ transplant from Tony.
Tony lives on in all he touched in any way as he is remembered fondly through the annual Tony Barlow Charity Games.
