Nov. 6, 2008

Stockton, Calif. - Head Coach Adam Kennedy has announced the hiring of his assistant coach, Guastavo Barrios, who comes to Pacific after six seasons as an assistant coach at Cleveland State.

As the Tigers' assistant coach, Barrios will run the organizational and administrative components to the men and women's program, such as recruiting and providing perspective into the sport from his successful career as a student-athlete.

During his time in the water, Barrios won multiple league championships, event titles (100 Free and 200 and 400 Free Relays), and was a finalist in the several other events during his four years (1999-2003) with the Cleveland State Vikings. As a freshman in 1999, Barrios anchored the 400 Free Relay team that clinched the Midwestern Collegiate Conference team championship for the Vikings.

A native of Panama, Barrios has had the distinction for representing his country in several international competitions. He represented Panama at the 2001 FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, at the 1998 Central American & Caribbean Games in Maracaibo, Venezuela and the 2001 Central American Games in Guatemala.

A member of the Dean's List during his four years at CSU, Barrios received the 2002 Barnes and Noble Director's Award for the highest cumulative grade point average among all graduating student-athletes.

His insight and knowledge to the sport of swimming allowed Gustavo to excel as a respected coach in the Horizon League with Cleveland State. In addition, his ability to relate to current swimmers through performances in the water as well as academically provided the coaching staff with tremendous insight.

Barrios has earned his master's degree in sports management and exercise science from Cleveland State in 2007.

Gustavo currently resides in Stockton, Calif.