After more than 40 years of coaching, James Wood head football coach Walter Barr stepped down early Friday afternoon. Barr had just completed his 3rd year at the helm of the Colonels program and took the Blue and Gold to their first playoff appearance in 25 years this fall. Barr had previous coaching stints at Sherando High School, Shenandoah University, Shepherd College, and James Wood where he won a state title in 1970. James Wood went 8-2 last year and fell to Sherando in the Region Playoffs. Barr, who was quick to credit his assistants for much of his success, says deciding to leave the Colonel community was tough. "I feel bad about leaving" noted Barr, "but our athletes are great people, and it was just time". Those involved with James Wood athletics know replacing Barr will be difficult. "He'd get on kids and he'd get on them hard" said James Wood athletic director Craig Woshner "but he'd also be the first to pat them on the back". No successor has been named.