Barry Burtnett began his lifetime association with wrestling in Pennsylvania wrestling at Bedford High School and then Lock Haven University. Upon graduation in 1961, he started coaching at Dormont High School and in two years developed a winning wrestling program. In 1963 his team finished with a 14-2 record. Moving on to Mechanicsburg High School, Barry soon rejuvenated a wrestling program that in five years compiled an enviable record of 50-17-1.

It was in Mecanicsburg where Barry’s enthusiasm for wrestling and his organization skills came to the fore as he instituted the first youth wrestling program, the first athletic trainers program, and the first student athletic training program. Throughout his career Barry has revealed unusual strength in new initiatives. Rider University must have recognized this early on because they encouraged Barry to come to Rider University with the challenge of starting a Division I wrestling program, a Herculean task, for even the most experienced college level coaches; yet this was Barry first endeavor at the college level. Again his infectious enthusiasm for wrestling and his superb organizational skills helped develop a successful wrestling program. He compiled a record of 94-34 in nine years competing against established programs with strong traditions. His 1972-73 team won the MAC team championship distinguished especially because this was the first athletic conference championship at Rider University. The 1973-74 team became the first university team to earn an undefeated season: 15-0-1, a record which remains in effect.

But Barry was not finished with firsts: in 1978 he developed and directed the Rider Sports Medicine program, instituted the first University trainer’s program, initiated and coached in the Hamilton Township YMCA wrestling program; initiated a very successful Hamilton Township PAL wrestling program; and most recently established a USA wrestling program at the Villages in Florida.

Barry has made and continues to make significant contributions in all phases of wrestling. He is most proud of the opportunity he has had to teach and coach and influence the student athletes in his life. He too is most appreciative of the valuable experiences his work at Rider provided him.