Barnes inducted into UOG Hall of Fame

Dr. Kurt Barnes has now been inducted into not one but two halls of fame—a testament to the former Peace. Corp. volunteer’s lasting contributions to propagating sports in the Marianas.

The 83-year-old was inducted into the University of Guam Tritons Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 last week and flew to the U.S. territory from his home in Elk Grove, California to personally accept the honor.

Barnes is a former adjunct professor at UOG, serving as an extension instructor to Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. He is also best known for writing the book, “Sport Legends of Micronesia (1966-2012)” and has a long history of administrating sports programs in the CNMI, to include being the president of Northern Marianas Athletics, vice president of the Northern Marianas Sports Association, and coach of the NMI gold-medal-winning women’s volleyball team in the 1969 Micronesian Games (then called Micronesian Olympics).

Barnes is also among the early inductees into the NMI Sports Hall of Fame.

“I am humbled by this induction but honored at the same time. Some high-profile sports personalities are enshrined in UOG’s Sports Hall of Fame. Terry Stotts, the former basketball coach of the Portland Trailblazers, for one. He played basketball at UOG in his younger days,” he said.

Joining Barnes, who was inducted as administrator/sports historian, in the University of Guam Tritons Hall of Fame Class of 2023 are Randall V. Wiegand (administrator), Roland San Nicolas (football), Glory Fritz-Beaty (women’s tennis), coach Gerald Barnes (basketball coach/Rival), and the 1994 champions of the Miller Football League, namely Kevin Okiyama, Tony Pasoadas, Richard Cotelesse, Jerald Lujan, Herman Ada, Frank Arriola, Jeff Breeding, Russell Maratita, Richard Rosete, Roland San Nicolas, Jeff Chong, and Roland Duenas.

Barnes said he always felt blessed to have been at the right place at the right time and know what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

“Not easy footpaths to follow but I was fearless along the way. I remember the apathy toward the very early starting time of the first Saipan Marathon. It started at 4:30am next to the Hyatt Regency Saipan. Many of the local runners whined and complained about the early start but I was steadfast on the time as I knew the heat and humidity would take over the race at about halfway through the 26 miles of the marathon. And you know what? After the marathon was finished every local runner made a point of approaching me and thanking me for starting the race so early. It left a very warm spot in my heart.”

Asked who is he dedicating his latest hall induction to, Barnes was generous in heaping praise to everyone who had been part of his journey.

“I’m dedicating this achievement to all those individuals who helped along the way. There are way too many to personally mention but they know who they are. Also, to my wife Sol and my daughter and two sons. I would be virtually nothing without help and assistance along my sports journeys.”

During his University of Guam Tritons Hall of Fame Class of 2023 induction, the soft-spoken Barnes was asked a favor he couldn’t refuse by UOG officials.

“I have been asked to donate a copy of my “Sport Legends of Micronesia” so it can be put in a glass encased frame and hang in the memorabilia room. I am donating my very own personal copy, as that is the only copy left.”