By By Rocky Higginbotham/The Meridian Star
Jan. 8, 2001
A press conference was scheduled for today at Meridian High School, where longtime athletic director Mac Barnes was expected to announce his retirement.
Exact details of the press conference were not available from MHS officials at press time.
One of the state's most recognized and respected prep coaches, Barnes shocked the Mississippi high school football world when he announced he was stepping down after the completion of the 1997 season to concentrate on his duties as MHS athletic director.
During his 20 years as the Wildcats' head man, Barnes won 168 games and countless titles, including a pair of Class 5A state championships making Meridian one of the state's most feared programs.
Hundreds of Barnes' players went on to play college football, and as many as three of Barnes' pupils could be playing in the National Football League next season.
Barnes was also chosen as The Meridian Star's Citizen of the Year in the paper's 1998 Profile edition.