Long Beach City College men’s athletic director Larry Reisbig has announced that Barry Barnes has been named the new head coach of the LBCC men’s basketball program. Barnes replaces Gary Anderson who stepped down last week from the position after 18 seasons.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve as head coach,” said Barnes. “It will be a challenge, but I am ready for it.”
Barnes had served as an assistant coach under Anderson for the past six seasons. Anderson and Barnes will switch roles as Anderson will stay on with the program as an assistant coach.
“I’m really appreciative of the time I had to learn and grow from working with Gary Anderson,” Barnes said. “It’s my time now.”
During his six seasons at LBCC, Barnes helped lead the Vikings to three consecutive South Coast Conference South Division championships (2005-2007) as well as a State Championships Elite 8 appearance in 2006. Long Beach also qualified for postseason play the past five seasons.
“Barry has done a great job as an assistant coach with the program for the past six years,” said Reisbig. “He was very deserving of the chance to lead the program and we think he is more than capable to meet the challenge.”
Prior to Long Beach, Barnes was an assistant coach for four years (2000-04) at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Barnes received his Bachelor’s degree in physical education from CSUDH in 2002 and is currently working on his Master’s in recreational administration.
Barnes played two seasons at LBCC (1982-84) before going on to play at Biola University. As a junior in 1985, Barnes earned second-team NAIA All-American honors.
A 1982 graduate of Lakewood High School, Barnes helped lead Lakewood to its first ever basketball CIF Championship. His senior season, he was named All-CIF and All-Moore League.
Barnes also served as head junior varsity coach and assistant varsity coach at Lakewood in 1989.
This past season (2008-09), Long Beach compiled a 15-15 overall record and finished second in the SCC South Division at 7-3.
Report By LBCC