Barnes takes over for Eagles

Natalie Venegas

Brian Barnes, son of Los Alamitos High head football coach John

Barnes and a former Los Alamitos standout, was hired as Estancia’s

head football coach Wednesday.

In March, Estancia was left without a coach after former head

coach Craig Fertig stepped down.

Barnes, who is 25 years old, graduated from Los Alamitos in 1997,

after being named an All-Orange County football player and National

Football Foundation Scholastic Athlete.

He began his coaching career early on, his first semester out of

high school as an assistant coach for his father, who is the

winningest coach in Orange County history with 240 victories, along

with capturing four CIF Southern Section titles.

Brian Barnes attended the University of Nevada, Reno on a football

scholarship in the spring of 1998 and continued to play collegiately

despite a back injury during his third year.

After playing football, he graduated with teaching credentials and

began teaching physical and special education at Damonte Ranch High,

in Reno, Nev., where he coached for one year. He also coached at Reno

High for a year.

“I have always dreamed about following in the footsteps of my

dad,” Barnes said. “I have a passion to work with kids and to help

any way I can.”

Barnes applied for the job, and a week later, after interviewing

with Estancia’s Athletic Director, Tim Parsel, and Principal Tom

Antal, he was offered the job.

“He doesn’t have much experience,” said Parsel. “But he was very

impressive at the interviews.”

Wednesday, Barnes was introduced to his new team.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “The kids are great, and this is a

wonderful place to be. The faculty and administration are nothing but

supportive, and I see great potential.”

Barnes begins practice Monday, but is still in search of coaches

to complete his staff.

If any coaches are interested, contact Barnes at (714) 272-8111,

or Parsel at (949) 515-6558.