Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Master Gunnery Sergeant Howard Barrett and Betty Barrett. The family, with sister Diane, settled in Oceanside in 1966 after his father’s final tour in Vietnam, and Dave began his lifelong connection with Oceanside High School. The rich athletic heritage of OHS captured and enthralled him. He played football and baseball for Hall of Fame coach, Herb Meyer. While at OHS, he also made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and helped establish the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle in San Diego County at OHS.

After graduating from OHS, he played football and baseball at MiraCosta and California Lutheran University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with BA degrees in English and Philosophy and a minor in PE. He obtained a teaching credential from Pt. Loma and was hired as an English teacher at OHS in 1978. Coaches and coaching, as well as his faith, had a profound impact on his life, so he was drawn into coaching. In 1976 Coach Chuck Hall hired him as a volunteer football coach. He continued to coach football at OHS until 2005. Named Head Baseball Coach in 1978, he continued until 2024.

His teams won seven league championships and reached three CIF finals. Among the accolades he has received are: SD County All-Stars coach (four times), So. California All-Star coach (three times), induction to the California Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (2004), NCTimes Coach of the Year (2007), FCA “Coaches Heart” Award (2010), CIF Model Coach in 2018, SD Padres Coach of the Year nominee (2023), and San Diego High School Coaching Legends Hall of Fame (2025).

In 1979 he married OHS graduate (1976) Patty Raue, and they have three sons: OHS grads Jason (1999), Steve (1999), and James Patrick. They are now the proud grandparents of seven: Anna, Manna (2025 OHS grad), Cana, Matthew, Noah, Julia, and Jaina.

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