Yujin Yi former Glendale HS Athlete talks about Coach John Barnes

Thank you for posting the note about Coach Barnes.
I had the priviledge of being coached by him while I attending Glendale High School 4 years ago. I did not meet him until my sophomore year when he first came out to coach our team because he had retired from teaching before my freshman year. It's not every day you get to meet someone as thoughtful, funny, motivational and downright talented as Coach Barnes. I've never met anyone who had the kind of effect that Coach had on our team-- everyone looked up to him and admired him, and, in turn, he made us believe that we were each capable of greater things, both on and off the field. His extraordinary coaching lead our boys' team to beat Muir High School in 1999, ending their 19-year dual meet winning streak. He never minded staying late after practice to give personal help to a team member, regardless of whether he was the school record holding senior captain or the new freshman with shin splints. He treated each member of the team as an important and vital part of the team. His coaching skills were, inarguably, the best. In a society where an ever-growing cleavage divides the generations and prevents them from communicating or understanding each other, Coach Barnes never had a problem connecting with us kids, over 5 decades his junior. It was no wonder that he was the heart and soul of our team.

I will always remember Coach on the field, in his Civil War-era/ranch outfit (complete with boots), his cane and leashed dog in one hand and the "green horse spray stuff" in the other.
And although my own mediocre track career ended with my receiving my high school diploma, Coach Barnes remains, and will stay, one of the most motivational people in my life.

I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and even more sorry for all those who will never have the chance to meet one of the greatest athletes, teachers, coaches, and mentors.

We'll miss you, General Barnes.