Monday, May 7, 2012

Aaron Barnett Steps Down at SM Northwest

Aaron Barnett.
As first reported just hours ago by PrepsKC.com, SM Northwest head coach Aaron Barnett has announced his intentions to move on to an administrative position within the Shawnee Mission School District, effectively ending his tenure with the Cougar football program.

Barnett spent six seasons as the head coach at SM Northwest, compiling a 35-25 (.583) record overall.  His best season came in 2007 when he led the Cougars to a 9-2 record and Sectional berth.  The team also claimed the Sunflower League title outright that year.

One of Barnett's more underrated qualities was his ability to bring recruiting attention to his top athletes.

Quarterback Alex Carder was an unknown commodity around the country as a senior during the 2007 season.  That was until Barnett pulled some of his recruiting strings and helped Carder land a scholarship to attend Western Michigan.  Carder has flourished as the Broncos starting quarterback and will likely be taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Other players who earned FBS offers under Barnett included Mark Fancher who signed with Air Force in 2009 and Drew Goodger who signed with Minnesota in 2011.

A replacement has yet to be named, but a quick search process is anticipated given the late timing of  Barnett's withdrawal.