The Lycoming College family is grieving the devastating loss of Mark Barnes ’01, a legendary athlete whose influence on the school’s lacrosse program and the lives of those who knew him will never be forgotten.

His sudden passing has left teammates, friends, and family with heavy hearts, even as they celebrate the life of a man who gave everything to the game and to those he loved.

Barnes entered Lycoming in 1997, stepping into a program that was still finding its identity as a varsity team. Within a year, he had established himself as a cornerstone of its success, leading the Warriors to their first MAC Championship final.

Over his four years, he embodied the qualities of leadership, resilience, and excellence, transforming both the team and the culture around it. Known as a longstick midfielder, Barnes broke boundaries for the position.

His career statistics speak volumes: 733 faceoff victories, a 10-groundball-per-game average, and 85 total points on 47 goals and 38 assists. Few players in college lacrosse history have combined defensive dominance with offensive production in such a way. For Lycoming, he was more than just a difference-maker—he was the standard.

Barnes’s success was recognized at every level. He earned All-American honors three times, was the 2000 MAC Player of the Year, and served as team captain for three consecutive seasons.

Under his guidance, the Warriors achieved a 38-22 record, regularly finishing among the league’s best. His leadership, both vocal and by example, inspired teammates to push harder and believe in their collective strength.

His influence did not end when his playing days concluded. Barnes’s induction into the Corning East Hall of Fame, the Lycoming College Hall of Fame, and most recently the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame in 2021 affirmed his enduring mark on the sport. He was only the second lacrosse player to be honored by the MAC in this way—a testament to his exceptional career.

Coach Gene Peluso’s words capture his presence perfectly: “His teammates loved him. They knew who the alpha dog was. We had some guys on offense who could score, but there was no doubt who our leader was. How he went, we went.” Barnes was the heartbeat of the team, both feared and admired for his intensity and celebrated for his ability to lift everyone around him.

Yet beyond the accolades and championships, Barnes will be remembered most for his role as a father, mentor, and friend. His love for his children—Jacob, Justin, and Kallie—was evident in everything he did. For his family, teammates, and countless others, his passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled.

Mark Barnes was more than an athlete—he was a leader, a Warrior, and an inspiration. Though his time was cut far too short, his impact will live on through the memories of those he inspired and the records he set that still stand strong.