A state prep champion from Kentucky, John Clay "JC" Barnett brought his talents to PCC and was part of head coach Ron Ballatore's Lancers swim dynasty. Named team captain, JC swam on two state champion teams in 1977-78 and twice was the state champion himself in the versatile 400-yard individual medley event.

As a freshman, Barnett's 4:07.75 time in 1977 was the nation's fastest time among community colleges. That mark stood as a school record for 34 years before being broken in 2011.

The 2-time, All-American had the second best national time as a sophomore. Barnett went on to swim for a NCAA Division 2 champion team at Cal State Northridge in 1979.