Barney Burnett, Troy State University’s director of golf, will retire following the 2001-2002 season.

Burnett, who was named head coach of the men’s team in 1986, has led Troy State golf to great heights during his tenure.

"I would like to thank Dr. Adams and (former athletics director) Robert Stewart for giving me this opportunity as head coach," Burnett said. "I had been working with the program many years before that and I felt that I have been a part of the program for the past 30 years. We’ve had some mighty good times and some mighty bad times, but that’s life. I’ve really enjoyed working here at Troy State. The staff here makes it a great place to work and I really appreciate them. I just felt that it was time for me to move on and some other things that I would like to do. I want to play a little golf now and do some fishing."

A resident of Troy since 1948 and graduate of TSU in 1961, Burnett took over as coach of the men’s team in 1986 and guided the Trojans to the Gulf South Conference championship in his first season. He led TSU to four GSC titles in five years from 1987 through 1991, finishing second in 1990.

Burnett also had national success as well. The Trojans made seven appearances in the NCAA Division II Championship, finishing second in 1992, third in 1987, fourth in 1989, 1990 and 1991, sixth in 1988 and ninth in 1993.

But the Trojans’ success under Burnett did not end with the move to Division I. Burnett guided the Trojans to four conference championships in TSU’s first four years at the Division I level. In the Trojans’ second season at Division I, TSU reached the NCAA East Regional, finishing 16th.

During his career, Burnett has coached 18 all-conference performers and eight conference championship teams. He also has coached seven individual conference champions, with Josh Broadaway advancing as an individual to the NCAA East Regional in 2000.

"I want to thank the Troy Country Club for their help over the years and allowing our team to play there when we couldn’t play at Trojan Oaks," Burnett said. "I hope that they will continue to work with the golf team at Troy State in the future. They have done a great job in helping us through the years, as well as the people at Trojan Oaks."

Burnett was named Director of Golf at Troy State in 1996 and brought his magic over to the women’s program. During his five years with the Lady Trojans, he has guided TSU to nine team crowns and 11 individual tournament titles.

"Barney has done a great job with our golf program," said Troy State Athletics Director Johnny Williams. "He has been an ideal employee and we are grateful for his years of service to Troy State University."