Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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.
Four or five years ago, Barnes and his crew were cleaning around Memorial Stadium after 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 Jayhawk. 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 paintings in addition to performing their job’s tasks, Barnes and his crew are very involved in Homecoming.
Barnes is the University of Kansas’ official field supervisor. He and a crew of three full-time members maintain all athletic fields. Barnes and his crew mow, apply fertilizers and pesticides and in general prepare all of the fields on campus for both practices and games.
Barnes said he truly enjoyed his job at the University because he loved being a part of the many traditions. His dad was a KU student who graduated from the School of Pharmacy.
“I have been a KU fan my whole life because of him,” Barnes 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 a life-long fan, his encounters with players and coaches give him personal enjoyment. The work Barnes does for the University differs from his previous 20-year career as a factory worker. He was laid off and then started doing landscaping.
“I worked at a golf course in Topeka before I came to KU,” Barnes said. “My job now is not exactly landscaping, but it is similar. This new career just sort of evolved.”
Barnes’s extensive experience has put him in high standing with his colleagues.
“He brings a lot of knowledge on events and day-to-day operations,” Jay Ellis, KU athletic facilities director, said. “I rely on George a lot.”
Barnes’ job allows 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 and his staff enjoy the atmosphere of the Homecoming game, but as far as their work is concerned, it will be business as usual.
“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 Day or anything like that.”
Barnes, admittedly reserved in nature, said he was proud to work for the University. He, and many others, work hard behind the scenes so the players can take a playable field.
—Edited by Chris Beattie
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