For the fourth time during his illustrious tenure leading the Columbia Academy archery program, coach Mike Barber has been named the 2020-2021 MAIS AAA Archery Coach of the Year.
Barber said it’s a great honor and a great thing for CA and the archery program. He added the honor is a direct reflection on the archery teams’ success because he wouldn’t be recognized without their hard work and natural talent.
“We have a lot of pride in our program,” he said. “At the end of the day, we have a great group of kids and a great group of parents. Without the great parents and great kids, I would’ve never got the honor. I can only be as successful as they’re going to be.”
Columbia Academy headmaster Angie Burkett said Barber takes a lot of pride in the program and really puts in a lot of time and effort to make the program as successful as possible. CA officially opened the state’s lone archery-only facility last year, and the program raised all the funds used to make it a reality itself.
“He’s worked hard making our little archery room a state-of-the-art facility for our students. Archery provides a niche for students who may not necessarily have a way to compete or be involved outside of academics at our school, so it’s a very strong program for Columbia Academy,” she said. “I’m very proud of him to be a part of our coaching staff and be a part of our faculty.”
The program has also hosted several events at the Columbia Expo Center, including the annual Cougar Classic and last year’s state championships.
Barber has also been very instrumental helping other schools be competitive in archery, according to Burkett.
Columbia Academy had a record-setting season, winning the AIMS Class 3A state title, the MAIS Class 3A title and the MAIS Overall title. The elementary, junior high and high school teams each won state championships. The program also finished No. 3 in the entire state between public and private schools.
The Cougars begin their preseason in January before the season officially begins in February.
Barber joins cross country coach Duane Powell, who was named the 2020 MAIS Cross Country Coach of the Year in the spring. Basketball head coach Dale Watts was previously named the 2019 AAA Basketball Coach of the Year. -
