Pratt Community College Director of Athletics Bill Wilson announced the hiring of Jamaal Barnes as the new head track and field and assistant cross country coach of the Beavers. Barnes brings quality experience to the Blue and White.

"We are excited to have Jamaal join the PCC family," Wilson said. "With his NCAA division I background, he understands the caliber of student athlete it takes to be successful in the Jayhawk Conference."

Barnes comes to PCC from Georgia State University where he was an assistant coach where he gained invaluable recruiting experience throughout the southeast including the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Prior to his time at Georgia State, Barnes was an assistant coach at Augusta University. He started his coaching career at Georgia State as an assistant in 2014. As a coach, Barnes specializes in sprints, hurdles, and relays.

"I'm grateful for this chance with PCC, and I think it's the ideal place for me to be during this stage of my career," Barnes said. "I'd like to thank my family for supporting and believing in me. I would also like to thank Dr. Mike Calvert and Bill Wilson for giving me such an opportunity."

In college, Barnes ran at the NCAA Division I level as a sprinter at Auburn University from 2004-2008. His best time at the 100m was 10.87 and his best 200m time was 22.43. He was a member of the Auburn 4x100m relay team that qualified for the NCAA Regional with a best time of 40.57.

"There is a lot of potential within the track program, and it's currently filled with great kids who are looking for the same kind of success that I am," Barnes said. "My plans are to continue building this program, and to take it to the next level."