On Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, Cheltenham senior Bria Barnes was recognized for signing a letter of intent to continue her track career at Iowa State University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p489182713
Bria Barnes – Iowa State University (Track)
Major: Accounting
Final list of colleges: Iowa State, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh
Reasons for choosing Iowa State: “The coach observed me in practice, and he understands how I am. I feel like I will grow as an athlete and a student at this university.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I ran on a talented track team that led me to want to run track in college. I enjoyed running on such a successful team and knew I wanted to run at the next level.”
Coach Jerome Lowery says: “When I first met Bria Barnes last year, she was definitely someone who was a leader, a shining star. I’m really happy to have known her for two years, and now to see her transition on to college is just a great thing because since Bria came to Cheltenham four years ago, she’s been a major scorer. Not only is she great in terms of athletics, she’s also great in terms of academics. She works very hard in the classroom, and she spends many late hours trying to make sure her grades are right so she can make the most of her high school experience.
“I think it’s a great testament to the number of people who have shown up today to see her sign to her college. It’s just been great to be part of this wonderful event and watching her sign to Iowa State. I know she’s going to go on and do great things this year. We’re looking for great things from her in the hurdles, but I think one of the things she’ll always be remembered for is how she was such a great leader and a great motivator and someone who genuinely cared for her teammates and cared for the overall well being of the entire team. When she leaves in June, it will be bittersweet because it will be sad to see her move on, but I know that she’ll be moving on to great things.”
Assistant coach Drew Magaha says: “She has a lot of heart, and she’s a natural leader. It’s one of those things where she leads by example, showing up to practice and getting everything done. It’s almost formula-like with her. When she steps on the line, it’s just about execution for her. Everything comes naturally. As a leader, she inspires everybody else around her with that formula-like approach. She just gets her job done.”
Former coach Kelly Jensen says: “She’s very talented. She could run the 100 to the 400 hurdles. I’ll tell you what – if she works hard and she really commits to getting back to the top level she was at, she could dominate this year in track. I think she’s that kind of talent. I think Iowa State is going to be lucky to get her. She won Nationals in Greensboro, N.C., at 400 meters in emerging elite in 2017. She ran a 60.04, which would have placed fifth place in the championship race. She just dominated that race, and that’s the kind of talent that she has. Unfortunately, she got injured last year and was a little bit late in developing, but this year she’s healthy, and she could be a real force in the state.”
About Bria:
Favorite food: Buffalo Wings
Favorite movie: Love & Basketball
Favorite music: Ella Mai
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