Jacob Barnes

Hometown and Current residence: 
I grew up in Joplin Missouri. The last 10 years we have lived in Cassville, Missouri.

Family and Occupation:
My wife and I have a son. Our immediate family is split between southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. I am employed as an operations manager at Jack Henry & Associates in Monett Mo.

Swimming background: 
I didn’t swim competitively until High School. Ever since then I have always found my way back to the water. The sport has been my go-to for rehabilitation and mental clarity. Then a few years ago I heard about this crazy group of “old” swimmers putting on a pentathlon in Bentonville. I had such a good time I figured it would be worth sticking with it more regularly and start setting some goals. This has allowed me to share our wonderful sport with my son. For the last couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of helping coach his team. I’ve enjoyed watching those kids grow as swimmers.

Favorite event/race: 
I enjoy the IM. The 200 is a lot of fun. But let’s be honest, I’m never not going to do the 100 IM if it is offered.

Swimming hero: 
There are probably too many to list. Back when I was first getting into the sport it was Gary Hall Jr. Another one is Cullen Jones. My son and I actually got to meet him over the summer. (see photo) He is genuinely a terrific and kind human being.

Swimming goals: 
To hold onto enough speed so that my kid doesn’t beat me in the pool for a few more years. Haha. But in all seriousness, my current goals are to just get in and swim. I’d like to participate in either the long or short course national meet sometime.

Advice to new masters swimmers: Just get in and have fun. If you aren’t having fun swimming, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Hobbies:
Outside of the pool I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, and spending time with my family and our dogs.

Favorite drills:
Butterfly – Single Double Single; Backstroke – Six Kick Three Stroke; Breaststroke – Four Count Glide; Freestyle – Sailboat

Do you participate in other sports?Not at any significant level.

Where do you currently swim?The Monett YMCA