Barrett chosen for All-State football team

Cory Barrett ('10) runs for a touchdown while teammates block the Kings Academy Knights Sept. 11. The team won 32–31.

For the first time in 20 years, a Tarrier football player has been named to the All-State football team.

This athlete is senior Cory Barrett, who had 23 touchdowns, 110 receptions, and ran over 2,100 yards during his junior and senior years. In 2009, he led the state in kickoff return yardage with an average of 36.5 yards per return. Barrett is both a wide receiver and a cornerback.

“I was really shocked and pleasantly surprised [when I heard that I got this award],” Barrett said.

Barrett was picked from among high school athletes in all leagues and divisions by representatives from the Washington State Coaches Association and sports reporters from the Tacoma News Tribune, Seattle Times, and other newspapers.

“Cory is very deserving of the All-State recognition. He has the physical skills necessary to excel in the game this coming June, and he has the motivation and desire to succeed against the state’s top players,” head football Coach Mike Finch said.

Due to this honor, Barrett will be able to play in the All-State game with other players from all over Washington in Spokane on June 22.

“There are several schools who are currently recruiting Cory to play for them next year. By participating in the All-State game, Cory is able to showcase his skills to his future coaching staff in order to further prove his abilities and to possibly earn playing time as a college freshman,” Finch said.

Barrett’s career in football started freshman year. Although he planned to play soccer in the spring, he decided to give football a try. After experiencing this sport for the first time, he really enjoyed playing football and continued to play it throughout high school. He also enjoyed making close friendships with his teammates over the years.

After high school, he plans to pursue college football and hopes to go to Central College in Pella, Iowa or Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Both are independent, liberal arts, Division III colleges.

Throughout his high school football career, the game that he most clearly remembers is the game against the Chimacum High School Cowboys on Sept 25 of this year. Although the Tarriers lost 21-17, he was proud that he still managed to get two touchdowns in the first half even though he had a hurt groin.

Athletic Director Casey Jones and Finch especially admired Barrett’s performances in past football games when he would be injured but would play through the pain and still be a huge asset to the team. Jones hopes that this award can be used as a pathway to a college football program for Barrett.

“[Barrett’s] statistics don’t explain the injuries that Corey got [during games], and he still got those good statistics. It demonstrates his strong abilities and character,” Jones said.

“I believe that Cory is one of the top wide receivers in Washington. He plays the ball in the air very well and is extremely athletic,” Finch said.