Passing of John Barnes - 1952 Olympian for Oxy and long-time Glendale area coach

Tribute to former Coach

From: Paul Broneer--8/25/04

Friends, I have some sad news to report. This evening at about 5:30pm eastern time, John Barnes passed away. He had been battling cancer for the past 6 months since he moved to Suffolk Virginia. John was an Olympic 800 meter runner in the 52 games in Helsinki and an All American at Occidental College. He coached track and cross country at Glendale High School for over 30 years. I had the privilege of coaching with him for 17 years. He was Olympic high jumper Dwight Stones' high school coach. We will miss John. He had a passion for our sport. I do not yet know what the funeral plans are. Paul Broneer

Ed note - Doug Speck

Had the pleasure of coaching against John for a few years in our Pacific League during his tenure at Glendale HS. His teams were always very well prepared, and John really had the ability to get athletes ready to "compete." His careful and timely handling of someone as good as Dwight Stones during his 7' plus high jumping during his high school years, as well as a number of other top athletes was quite impressive. Great technician and sense folks coached by him liked his style of direct communication - if it was worth doing sense Barnes saw that it was done right! They say a Coach's teams reflect his personality - you had better be prepared to come and run against discipined and motivated Glendale Dynamiter teams where he was involved.

He came from Occidental College during a very magical time in the 1950's. John was part of a World Record setting Distance Medley Relay squad of 9:57.7 during his time there, was an NCAA 880 yard champ, and made the 1952 Olympic team. He was joined by 1:50 880 star Hal Butler and 1952 Olympian Bob McMillen. John was also on a 3:10.1 Mile relay squad in 1950 that had one of the top times in the world for that period.

Saw John while over at Glendale HS a year or two ago and he indicated he had hip replacement surgery, but was back substitute teaching, and indicated he "needed something to do besides ride the horses." Sad to read Paul's note above.

Rate my teachers.com sounding board for students and their commentary about teachers at the different schools that has met with mixed reviews over the years - more often than not a place for frustrated students to vent - comments on John B neat to read:

"this guy is awesome. he made me such a better runner. its too bad he left us. we will miss you coach barnes... too late we already do."

"A great coach who is hard on you but still makes you want to learn more. I have never once heard him say anything mean to a deticated runner on the track team."

"He is way past retirement age and he still cares enough about GHS (Glendale HS) to come help with track. He is a legend of some kind. People need to give him his props."

"This track genius will turn you into a champion"

(I like this one!)

OLD SCHOOL COACH. Gotta love it.