LIBERTY, Mo. (KCTV) - Andy Lierman, head football coach at Liberty North High School, said Micah Jo Barnett impacted many kids before he ever got to William Jewell College.
“When you have a young man like Micah who impacts so many kids, it’s pretty amazing,” Lierman said.
Barnett passed away suddenly on Saturday. An announcement from William Jewell followed the postponement of Saturday’s football game between William Jewell and Fort Lewis College.
According to a post by Fort Lewis College Athletics, the matchup was held off due to a “medical emergency on the William Jewell sideline.”
Barnett played for Lierman at Liberty North before playing for William Jewell College.
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Lierman said that legacy is why Barnett kept coming back to Liberty North.
“I would have Micah come back and talk to our kids to this day,” Lierman said. “He’s been back the last two years... he was just always the example. You get pretty close with guys like that. His legacy will live on.”
Lierman said the hardest part is knowing how much more was to come for Barnett.
“He was just getting started. I mean, I think that’s the most tragic thing,” Lierman said.
“People will remember Micah obviously for the tragedy, but again for how he made people feel and the impact he had in all areas of life,” Lierman said. “His legacy will live on forever.”
The cause of death has not been released. William Jewell College says its focus right now is supporting Barnett’s family and teammates.
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