SM Northwest's Barnett steps down

By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: May 7, 2012 - 1:17 PM



For the first time in six years there will be a new head football coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest. The Cougars’ Aaron Barnett announced his resignation today.
Barnett is leaving the program to move into an administrative position at the Shawnee Mission School District’s alternative high school. The move was announced to the team and school this morning.
The change in jobs is exciting for Barnett but he said it is also tough to step off of the sidelines at Northwest.
“It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make especially in my professional career,” Barnett said. “I kind of divide it in halves. When I look at the opportunities that lay in front of me, I am excited about it. I am excited about being an assistant principal at our alternative high school in the district and making a positive impact on those kids’ lives.
“On the other side of the coin football has been a part of my life ever since the seventh grade as a player in high school and college and a coach from my first year out of playing. It’s something that is going to be missed but it was time and the opportunity was good and I’ll move forward from here.”
The Cougars have been very successful under Barnett. They have been in the playoffs four of the last six years and were district champs the last two seasons. The Cougars have become known for a tough physical style of play and have always seemed to improve as the season has gone on.
Barnett said there were a lot of good players, coaches, families and administrators that helped that success.
“I feel like our kids have played hard and been good sports both on and off the field,” Barnett said. “I think that our coaching staff that I’ve been fortunate to have with me have coached with a lot of class and our kids have played with a lot of class.
“All along the line I’ve been pretty fortunate to have great parents in the stands. When you come to a game at Shawnee Mission Northwest and our fans are from the top on down from our administration to our other teachers to the parents all handle themselves accordingly and it makes for a positive Friday night and I take a lot of pride in that.”
The position is now open and PrepsKC will keep you updated on the hiring process.