Barrett leaves post as Cougars coach

By Barry Byers - bbyers@heraldonline.com

YORK -- York Comprehensive High School football coach John Barrett, who compiled an 18-29 record in four seasons, has resigned.

“I was given the opportunity to resign instead of not being offered a new contract,” Barrett said. “I have a contract until the end of June. I retired a couple of years ago.

“I want to thank York for giving me the opportunity to be a head coach. They took a chance four years ago knowing I had a lack of experience. This is not something I'm bitter about. It just didn't work out, and I'm not leaving on bad terms.”

Barrett has been at York for 13 years and was promoted to head coach four years ago when Steve Boyd stepped down to become the school's full-time athletics director. Barrett was the school's weightlifting coach. His lifting team did well in competitions, with several winning state championships and others placing in the top three.

Barrett hopes to find an assistant coaching job at a local school and remain in the area.

“John is an outstanding role model for our kids and the community,” Boyd said. “He's an outstanding person. We appreciate his dedication to our kids and coaches.

“He handed me his resignation around noon (Monday). We had to take it to the school board meeting and get their approval.”

Boyd will meet with the district's administrators next week to discuss when to post the job and to set up a timetable for applicants.

Barrett said he is appreciative of all the players and coaches he worked with. Although his players didn't get it done on the field, he is proud of their accomplishment in the classroom. This year's players had an average GPA of 3.01 and 21 made the honor roll. The players were also heavily involved in community service projects.

On the field this season, the Cougars finished fourth in Region 3-AAAA with a 2-3 mark, and 3-8 overall. York was 18-29 under Barrett. He was 8-5 and made it to the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs his first season in 2006.

“It's hard to leave York because I've been here 13 years,” Barrett said. “When a door closes, you look for one that's open.

“One regret I have is that I will not be part of our move into the new school and football stadium next year. I was excited about it, but it wasn't meant to be. We have a lot of coaches that are like brothers to me and players going to the new facility, I wish them only best.”

Barrett played football and baseball at Sumter High School. He accepted a baseball scholarship from The Citadel. His first job in coaching was at Chester. He spent a year at Strom Thurmond and spent six seasons at Northwestern before going to York.