Atlas Twp.- A local basketball coach battling cancer now has the support of some top college coaches.
In March 2011, Goodrich Junior Varsity Basketball Coach Dave Barns learned he had cancer. Recently friends of the family put up a billboard to demonstrate support for the Barns family and to let the community know help is needed.
The billboard is located on the east side of M-15 just north of Green Road.
‘Dave’s been battling ever since his diagnosis using the mantra, ‘faith, hope, life, a positive attitude, great strength, and community support,?? said Wayne Wilson, assistant GHS varsity basketball coach and family friend. ‘Not only does Dave have the support of the Goodrich community, but as you can tell from the sign he also has the support of some of the major college basketball coaches throughout Michigan, including the University of Michigan’s John Beilein, Michigan State University’s Tom Izzo, the University of Detroit Mercy’s Ray McCallum and Oakland University’s Greg Kampe.?
Wilson said friends of the Barns family contacted the coaches who received the approval of the NCAA.
Dave, a 2000 GHS graduate, scored more than 1,000 points during high school basketball career. He also played at Grand Valley State University and the University of Detroit Mercy. Dave helped coach the varsity and junior varsity teams at Goodrich for the past six years.
Dave, 29, is the son of 21-year veteran Goodrich Basketball Coach Gary Barns, who earned 300 career victories in 2011.
Donations can be made by sending checks made out to the David Barns Fund, PO Box 2, Goodrich MI 48438.