The Lycoming College community is mourning the loss of Mark Barnes ’01, a legendary athlete whose impact on the school’s lacrosse program and the lives of those who knew him will be remembered for generations.
Barnes’ sudden passing has left teammates, friends, and family with heavy hearts, even as they celebrate the life of a man who poured his heart into the game and those he loved.
Mark joined Lycoming College in 1997, stepping into a lacrosse program still establishing its identity as a varsity team. Within a year, he had become a cornerstone of the team’s success, helping lead the Warriors to their first MAC Championship final.
Over his four years, Barnes exemplified leadership, resilience, and excellence, transforming the team’s culture and performance. As a longstick midfielder, he set new standards for the position, combining defensive dominance with offensive contributions in ways few college players have matched.
His career statistics speak volumes: 733 faceoff victories, an average of 10 groundballs per game, and 85 total points from 47 goals and 38 assists. For Lycoming, he was not just a standout player—he was the standard-bearer for the program.
Barnes’ talent and leadership were recognized at every level. He earned three All-American honors, was named 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, consistently ranking among the league’s top teams. His leadership—both vocal and by example—pushed teammates to excel and believe in themselves.
Even after his playing career ended, Barnes’ legacy endured. His induction into the Corning East Hall of Fame, the Lycoming College Hall of Fame, and the Middle Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame in 2021 cemented his place in lacrosse history. He was only the second lacrosse player ever to be honored by the MAC, a testament to his remarkable career.
Coach Gene Peluso captured Barnes’ influence 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—respected for his intensity, admired for his dedication, and celebrated for his ability to lift everyone around him.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Mark will be remembered most for his roles as 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 be filled.