.png&type=webp)
Rice University Athletics
Photo by: Jim Brown
Barnes Named Fall C-USA Spirit of Service Winner
12/12/2019 11:58:00 AM | Football
Recognizes the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes
Rice football player Chris Barnes is one of 14 Conference USA student-athletes to be honored as recipients of the C-USA Fall Spirit of Service Award as announced by the conference on Thursday.
The C-USA Spirit of Service Award recognizes the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes, based upon significant public service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport. The Spirit of Service Award is presented three times throughout the season, with Thursday's honorees representing Conference USA's fall sports: men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer and men's and volleyball.
Barnes, who was named to the All-Conference USA second team on Tuesday, was honored for his combined efforts in the community and in competition after choosing to return for his final season of athletic eligibility after graduating last spring.
On the field, he ranked second in the conference with a 44.8 yards on 35 punts, which ranks sixth in school history. He combined with Adam Nunez to rank 18th nationally with a 41.1 yard net punting average at the end of the regular season, one yard better than Rice averaged in 2018 with C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year Jack Fox. He also took over placekicking duties over the final eight games and converted eight of his last nine field goal attempts, including a career best from 48 yards vs. North Texas.
Off the field, he volunteered at the Houston Food Bank and participated in the Owls' annual Challenger League Football game and the O.J. Brigance Celebration of Courage Walk.
Barnes graduated last spring with a double major in Sport Management and Managerial Studies and Business minor and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Global Affairs program.
The C-USA Spirit of Service Award recognizes the community service efforts of the league's student-athletes, based upon significant public service, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport. The Spirit of Service Award is presented three times throughout the season, with Thursday's honorees representing Conference USA's fall sports: men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer and men's and volleyball.
Barnes, who was named to the All-Conference USA second team on Tuesday, was honored for his combined efforts in the community and in competition after choosing to return for his final season of athletic eligibility after graduating last spring.
On the field, he ranked second in the conference with a 44.8 yards on 35 punts, which ranks sixth in school history. He combined with Adam Nunez to rank 18th nationally with a 41.1 yard net punting average at the end of the regular season, one yard better than Rice averaged in 2018 with C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year Jack Fox. He also took over placekicking duties over the final eight games and converted eight of his last nine field goal attempts, including a career best from 48 yards vs. North Texas.
Off the field, he volunteered at the Houston Food Bank and participated in the Owls' annual Challenger League Football game and the O.J. Brigance Celebration of Courage Walk.
Barnes graduated last spring with a double major in Sport Management and Managerial Studies and Business minor and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Global Affairs program.
Players Mentioned
Wednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02