THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY KANSAS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2006
3C
HOMECOMING
Ryan McGeeney/KANSAN
George Barnes of Topeka, the KU Athletics Department field supervisor, has been with the University of Kansas for eight years.
Groundskeeper connects with tradition of pride
BY EMILY SOENER
Hanging on the wall of George Barnes' office is a painting that serves as a steadfast reminder that he and his crew are doing more than mowing grass and laying fertilizer.
Three or four years ago, Barnes and his crew were cleaning around Memorial Stadium following a Homecoming football game. There they came across the paintings that the fraternities and sororities create each year. The paintings create a sea of crimson and blue that is sprinkled with varying depictions of the mythical lajhawk. Amidst this sea was a painting the crew thought was exceptional. They discarded the rest, but chose to hang this particular painting in their office.
By appreciating traditions such as the greek's paintings in addition to performing the tasks required of their job, Barnes and his crew are an involved part of Homecoming.
Barnes is the University of Kansas' official field supervisor. He and a crew of three full time members work tirelessly to maintain all athletic fields. As the working supervisor, Barnes and his crew mow, apply fertilizers and pesticides, paint and generally care for all of the athletic fields on campus, both for practices and games.
Barnes truly enjoys his job at the University. He loves being a part of the many traditions. His dad was a student at the University who graduated from the School of Pharmacy.
"I have been a KU fan my whole life because of him," he said.
Barnes has worked as the field supervisor for eight years and has been able to reap the benefits both professionally and personally. He is able to encounter new challenges on the professional field and as an admitted lifelong fan, his encounters with players and coaches give him personal enjoyment. The work
Barnes does for the University is something of a departure from his previous career when he was a factory worker for 20 years. He was laid off and started doing landscaping.
"He brings a lot of knowledge on events and day-to-day operations," Jay Ellis, facilities management director, said. "I rely on George a lot."
"I worked at a golf course in Topeka before I came to KU," he said. "My job now is not exactly landscaping, but it is similar. This new career just sort of evolved."
Barnes's job gives many opportunities for personal contact with members of the Athletics Department.
"George is great working with the coaching staffs, the players and the students. He's just great," Ellis said.
Barnes's extensive experience has put him in high standing with his colleagues.
game, but as far as their work is concerned, it will be business as usual.
Barnes and his staff enjoy the atmosphere of the Homecoming
"From our perspective, there really is not too much special preparation for Homecoming," he said. "We prepare the same for Homecoming as we do with Band Dav or anything like that."
"Crowds are the big thing, and I anticipate a big crowd this Homecoming," he said. "Coach Mangino's success has brought out some really big crowds. I bet we will see 50,000 people or more this year."
Barnes feels that the crowds add to the effect of Homecoming.
Barnes is reserved in nature and proud to work for the University. He, and many others, work hard behind the scenes so the players can take the field.
Kansan correspondent writer Emily Soener can be contacted at editor@kansan.com.
Edited by Jonathan Kealing
what do you think?
WHEN DID YOU FIRST FEEL AT HOME AT KU?
BY JASON BAKER
CHRIS LOCKARD Kansas City, Kan., senior
"When I first lived close to downtown Lawrence."
BRIEN MARTI Bloomington, Ill., freshman
"When Kansas played Georgia Tech at the Fieldhouse in 2004, KU was down 18 and came back. I knew I wanted to come here because of the atmosphere."
Edited by Janiece Gatson
KIM HARRINGTON Overland Park senior
"Going to my first basketball game."
TIM BARTLETT
Topeka sophomore
"I think when I first moved into the dorms and saw everyone carrying boxes of clothes and fruit loops. It was that moment of community that I felt at home."
STUDIE REDCORN Shawnee junior
"When I first moved to Lawrence."