With the sudden loss of head football coach David Barnes over the weekend, Caldwell County school officials have turned to another former Tiger to lead the team for the 2019 season. Former Tiger, and current assistant Waynee McGowan was selected during an executive session of the Caldwell County Board of Education Monday evening.
McGowan, who previously held the title of assistant head coach, will now face the unenviable task of guiding the team, both on the field and emotionally, in the wake of Barnes’ death early Saturday morning. McGowan has been a long time assistant in the program, including being a member of the staff on the 1998 state championship team.
McGowan was inducted into the Caldwell County Football Hall of Fame in 2001. During his career playing for the Tigers, from 1987-1990, McGowan rushed for 3544 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Head coach David Barnes fell ill during the Tigers’ scrimmage at Hopkins Central Friday night, and passed away Saturday morning.
The Tigers are set to open the season at home Friday night, in what will be an emotional evening, when they host Christian County.