Posted on: Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Barnett retires as HPU AD, hoop coach
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i Pacific athletic director and head men's basketball coach J.D. Barnett has retired after less than one year at the school, HPU President Chatt G. Wright said last night.
Jill Ward, HPU's associate athletic director for compliance and administration, has been named interim athletic director, and Kelly Wells, HPU's assistant athletic director and assistant men's basketball coach, has been named head basketball coach, according to Wright.
Barnett did not immediately return calls on his cell phone last night.
The HPU basketball team finished 10-16 overall and placed fifth in the six-team Division II Pacific West Conference with a 4-11 record.
Barnett, a native of Meadville, Mo., signed a three-year contract in August 2004 to guide HPU's 10 men's and women's sports, including the flagship men's basketball program.
Before coming to HPU, Barnett amassed more than 300 men's basketball victories at four Division I schools.
"J.D. Barnett retired from his positions at Hawai'i Pacific University to return to the Mainland to be closer to his family," said Wright, who added that Barnett's retirement was effective immediately.
