East boys soccer coach resigns

Columbus East boys head soccer coach Brad Barber stands on the sidelines during half time of East's regional soccer game against Bloomington South in Seymour, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. Mike Wolanin | The Republic

Columbus East boys soccer coach Brad Barber, who took the Olympians to their first Class 3A semistate appearance last month, recently announced his resignation after 11 years.

“The past 11 years coaching at Columbus East and representing our community has been a pleasure,” Barber said. “I simply want to spend more time with my family, and do not feel that I have the time to be fully committed to the head coaching position.”

This past season was one in the history books for the Olympians, Barber led the squad to an undefeated regular season, a No. 5 state ranking, a No. 8 Midwest ranking, and a Hoosier Hills Conference, sectional and regional titles.

They fell in the semistate match with Zionsville 2-1 to finish the season 17-1-3.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

Prior to the 2019 season, Barber won HHC titles in 2009 and from 2012-2015 and sectional titles in 2015 and 2017. Since taking over the program in 2009, he totaled a cumulative record of 118-54-22.

“Thank you to the Columbus East administration for providing me the opportunity to implement my vision for the program. Thank you to the many assistant coaches who have spent countless hours working to best support the Columbus East players,” Barber said. “Thank you to the parents for your continued support. Lastly, and most of all, thank you to the players who have represented Columbus East with class on and off the pitch. It has been a pleasure to share my passion with the beautiful game with you.”