SACRAMENTO, CA —Jesuit High School Sacramento is honored to announce the renaming of its iconic Loyola Field in Marauder Stadium to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes ‘07 Field. Barnes, a 2007 graduate of Jesuit Sacramento, served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and was one of five U.S. service members who died in a tragic military training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea in November 2023. This dedication pays tribute to his life, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. 

Barnes’ commitment to duty left an indelible mark on all who knew him. In this formal recognition of renaming the field, Jesuit Sacramento seeks to honor his memory and inspire future students to live with the same sense of purpose and integrity.

“Our community’s response to renaming Loyola Field to honor Shane Barnes has been humbling and inspiring.  This is just a glimpse at the impact a life like Shane’s can have.  Having his name on the field will give us endless opportunities to tell his story and the Jesuit High School story to countless people. That’s inspiring.” said Chris Alling, president of Jesuit High School Sacramento.

In an interview with The Plank, Jesuit’s student newspaper, Barnes expressed the importance of being a ‘Man for Others.’  He said, “I learned to devote myself to something greater than myself at Jesuit. I have always felt called to service, and the U.S. Army has given purpose and meaning to that call. I signed up to keep the evils that plague our world out of my country as best I can. The legacy I choose to leave is that I defended those I love.”

Following his graduation, Barnes made the noble decision to serve his country by joining the military. His courage and determination led him to excel in the armed forces, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skills and leadership qualities. Barnes, a Special Operations Pilot and  Instructor Pilot, was honored with several accolades for his service, reflecting his bravery and dedication to his fellow soldiers and country, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, Air Medal with Combat, and Army Commendation.

”As we begin a new era of Friday Night Lights at Jesuit, it is important we celebrate our heroes.  Shane is the personification of our “Men For Others” credo, and we are so proud to gather with his family and recognize his life and sacrifice.” Kelly Brothers ‘82, Chair, Board of Trustees.

The entire Barnes family has ties to Jesuit High School Sacramento. Parents Kelly and Mike Barnes ‘81  are beloved Jesuit community members. Mike is a member of the class of 1981, and Kelly worked in the campus ministry department for 15 years. Shane’s brother Josh is also a Jesuit Sacramento alum, graduating in 2010. He is now on a similar career path as his mom, Kelly, and works in campus ministry at a Jesuit Catholic high school in the Tacoma, Washington, area.

The field dedication ceremony will occur in Marauder Stadium on August 30, 2024, during the season opener Friday night football game against Rio Americano High School. The Barnes family - including wife, Samantha Jo, and two precious little girls, Amelia and Katherine – friends, alums, current students, community members, and military representatives will attend the event. The evening will also mark the first night game since Jesuit Sacramento received approval in June to install permanent stadium lighting. 

Kelly Brothers shares, “We have been blessed by the generosity of many alumni and benefactors who have made early pledges during our campaign to fund permanent lights for Barnes Field at Marauder Stadium. We are grateful to those who are now answering the call and joining the effort. Lights will enhance the school’s student life and community, and we hope to find an additional space in this venue where we honor all Jesuit alums who have served in America’s Armed Forces.” 

Through this field dedication and future endeavors, Jesuit strives to live out the quote senior Shane Barnes wrote in his 2007 yearbook – What we do in life… echoes in eternity.