BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @Gosset41
August marked five years since the tragic passing of Burleson Centennial baseball star Dawson Barnes, who died in a car crash on Aug. 21, 2019 – just a few weeks into his senior year. Dawson was 17.
As a junior for the Spartans, Barnes garnered several big accolades including first team all-district, second team all-county and second team all-state.
Dawson is missed everyday.
He had a large and bubbly personality. He had a great smile.
And he loved his friends and family – mom Heather, dad Keith and sister Kylie.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know the Barnes family for the past five years. They continue to be some of the greatest and funniest people I know. Kylie starred for the softball team at Centennial and now plays at nearby Texas Wesleyan.
The Barnes even had the chance to have lunch with my parents when they made a visit from Hawaii a few years ago. I appreciate them every day.
The surrounding communities continued to support the Barnes’ family today and always honor and recognize Dawson, who wore Number 16 on the diamond. Hundreds of people came to his vigil the day after his passing at the Centennial baseball stadium. On June 9, 2022, Burleson held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed memorial garden behind Fire Station 16 – dedicated in honor of Barnes.
In the spring of 2020 during the Centennial graduation ceremony at Globe Life Field, a cap and gown was set for Dawson and his dad Keith walked across to receive his diploma. While so much has been done for Dawson and his family – the biggest memory of him comes Saturday during the 6th annual Centennial Baseball/Dawson Barnes Memorial Golf Tournament at Hidden Creek Golf Course.
The day is filled with multiple on course activities, raffles, auction items and a helicopter ball drop. The funds raised by the booster club go towards new uniforms, new equipment, field repairs, cage upgrades, and training devices. These are vital in helping make this program the “Best in Class”.
During the tournament, 25% of the proceeds go to support the Live Like Dawson Foundation/Dawson Barnes Memorial Scholarship Fund. This foundation was founded in honor of Dawson to continue his legacy. The foundation will award scholarships to at least one male and one female senior student athlete to continue their education.
Since June, 2020, this foundation has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to Centennial High School Student Athletes.
Said Keith Barnes, “We have been overwhelmed with support from people and sold out every year since. The success of the tournament comes from our sponsors. Through the first five years we have been able to give out over $30,000 in scholarships in Dawson’s honor. Absolutely none of this would be possible without Jennifer and Cory Winters. Jennifer has taken the leadership role of the tournament since his passing. Now that her son is in college, she still goes above and beyond for Dawson’s foundation. No doubt she is Dawson’s biggest fan.”
You can visit the golf tournament website at https://chs-baseball-dawson-barnes-memorial-golf-tournament.perfectgolfevent.com/
And Live Like Dawson Foundation at https://www.livelikedawsonfoundation.org/
LLD 16!! #BeKind
