Coach: James Barker
High school: Highlands Ranch
Sport: boys and girls golf
What made you decide you wanted to become a coach in your
present sport?
“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It
satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same
time rewarding and maddening. It is without a doubt the greatest
game mankind has ever invented.” Many have claimed this quote about
golf. I don’t claim it. I believe it.
Describe one of the best moments you can remember from your
coaching career?
The two best moments of my coaching career are the Highlands
Ranch girls golf team winning the 2008 Class 5A state championship
at Raccoon Creek Golf Course, and my son Caleb Barker winning the
2009 5A individual state championship at Saddle Rock Golf
Course.
What was one of the most heartbreaking moments of your coaching
career?
Losing the 2001 5A state championship by two shots to
ThunderRidge.
If a young athlete came to you and said he or she was interested
in a career as a coach, what advice would you give him/her?
It’s what you learn after you know everything that makes all the
difference.
What do you do for fun that isn’t related to the sport you
presently coach?
Read about American history and politics.
If you could coach for any professional sports team for one
year, which would it be and what changes would you make?
No desire to coach pro sports. Maybe college.
Your present team just won the state championship. What do you
(and/or the team) do to celebrate the achievement?
We have a feast, a pep rally. We put a trophy in our case, hang
a banner in our gym and order our state championship rings.
Walt Disney pictures decides to make an inspirational motion
picture about your team and its achievements. What celebrity
actor/actress would play you in the movie?
George Clooney
