Bob Barnett (2016) - Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame

Bob Barnett

Induction:
2016

Bob Barnett holds every record for coaching accomplishments in the 29-year history of Marshall University wrestling, serving as the head coach for seven of those years, with six winning seasons. The Newell, W.Va., native became a West Virginia Conference wrestling champion (123-pound class) and was a member of the golf team at West Liberty State College. After becoming an assistant professor at Marshall he agreed to become the school’s wrestling coach, inheriting a team with only one returning letterman in a program that had not had a winning season in 10 years. In 1972, he was able to build a team with the lone letterman, four of his recruits and six walk-ons. After early season struggles the team jelled and produced a 9-8 record and only the fourth winning season in the 21-year history of the program. Barnett was named NCAA honorable mention rookie coach of the year by Amateur Wrestling News for his efforts.