Barker to again lead Faulkner baseball program
Faulkner’s Brent Barker is back in charge of the Eagles’ baseball program, a position he held for five years prior to becoming the university’s athletic director in 2005. Barker will continue to serve as Faulkner’s athletic director in his new role.
"Brent Barker was our baseball coach before becoming the full-time athletic director and he did a fine job in that role,’’ Faulkner president Billy D. Hilyer said. “We have decided that it will be best for our program for him to assume that role again at this time, along with his work as AD.
“With the recent reorganization of the department, Brent now has assistant athletic directors Hal Wynn and Doug Amos to help him with his work. And with much of the start-up work for football behind us, although a lot remains to be accomplished, Brent will be fine. We will assess the situation during the year and make a decision about the future."
During his five years as the Eagles’ head coach, Barker averaged 42 victories a season and led Faulkner to the 2001 NCCAA national championship. His 2004 team won the GACC championship, and finished second in the conference in both 2002 and 2003. Barker was the 2001 NCCAA national coach of the year, and was the conference and region coach of the year in 2002. The Alabama High School Baseball Coaches Association named him the Small College Coach of the Year three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Faulkner’s 52 wins in 2002 are still a school record, and the No. 3 national ranking in the NAIA poll that year is the program’s highest ever.
As Faulkner’s athletic director, Barker spearheaded the startup and development of the school’s football program, which begins play this fall. He will continue to oversee Faulkner’s eight varsity sports, as well as work closely with senior school officials in the overall development initiatives and priorities of the university. Barker will relinquish his position as head golf coach, one he has held the past two years.
“I am really excited about our entire athletic program,” Barker said. “For the past two years I have had a great time working with our golfers and taking them to tournaments all across America. My background and experience is in baseball, not golf, and I am looking forward to going back to the diamond where I have spent most of my professional life.”
Faulkner assistant coach Jon Mitchell will be back for his third season and will work with pitchers and catchers, while new assistant coach Brandon Kitch, a former player and coach at Oklahoma City University, will serve as the hitting coach. He will also work with Faulkner’s outfielders.
Fore more information please contact Doug Amos at (334) 313-1170 or Ryan Bartels at (334) 386-7525.