UTEP graduate Dennis Barnes begins new career as football coach in New Mexico
Former UTEP football player Dennis Barnes is ready for the next challenge in his life after graduating last December with his degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.
Barnes, who is 23, was recently hired as the head coach at Class 3A Hot Springs High School in Southern New Mexico about two hours from El Paso.
The New Mexico Activities Association did not know if Barnes was the youngest head coach in New Mexico, but almost certainly he is one of the youngest in the state.
"It's a new challenge for me," said Barnes, who also wrapped up his playing eligibility last fall. "I'm excited about this opportunity. I found out about it online, took a shot at applying and it worked out. I've been on campus about three weeks and I'm really excited about the helping the kids grow, helping the program grow into something special."
Barnes, who is from Jefferson City, Missouri, had a solid career in college at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas and UTEP, where he was an All-Conference USA player.
While at UTEP, he coached a 7-on-7 team and worked camps, which gave him the thought that coaching could be his future and the experience of working with youth.
"I want to be able to help the youth and help them grow as students and athletes," said Barnes, who will teach physical education. "We have some kids who have been consistent at showing up to workouts and we'll get more kids out once school starts. We have a community where kids have to work during the summer. We've had some youth camps as well and have had a good turnout and I hope that leads to more kids coming to the program in the future."
Barnes has the luxury of having his father-in-law, Mike Gonzales, who is familiar with coaching sports. Gonzales coached high school basketball in El Paso and has also coached on the college level.
"Dennis has so much energy and passion for coaching," Gonzales said. "He's already working hard at watching film and getting to know his players and getting to know teams he'll be facing."
Hot Springs begins practice on July 31 and plays its regular season opener at home on Aug. 18 against Tularosa.
"We want to build excitement for that game and sell out our stadium," Barnes said.
Those who know Barnes and who have followed his career can see him on Sept. 1 when Hot Springs visits Anthony High School, a Class 2A school in Texas.
"We want to build a strong culture here at Hot Springs," Barnes said. "I've been fortunate over the years to learn a lot from different coaches in the sport. I'm learning and growing. I'm looking forward to helping our kids continue to be the best they can be."
Barnes brought over three coaches with him who have Division I playing experience, including Robert Corner and Maximus Buckingham.
"We have a good staff and I'm looking forward to working with them throughout the entire season as we look to build in what we want to do," Barnes said.
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Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Former UTEP football player Dennis Barnes set to coach in New Mexico
