At this year’s Homecoming game, William Penn University’s athletic photographer, Bob Barnes, found himself unexpectedly in the spotlight after decades spent capturing others. Bob, who began his career at William Penn in 1961 teaching chemistry before eventually transitioning to photography, has longstanding ties to the university: his father graduated from Penn Academy, and his grandmother once served as the chapel pianist. Despite all his years on campus, though, he hadn’t anticipated a moment quite like this one.
The story unfolded when football player Destynd Loring made a powerful play near the sidelines, charging out of bounds to secure a touchdown—and coming right toward Barnes, who was intently capturing the action. Loring missed him by inches, but there was enough contact to knock Barnes to the ground. Instantly, Loring turned around, rushing to help the photographer he had just bowled over. “I looked back and saw I’d knocked someone over,” Loring recalled. “I hurried to help Mr. Bob up and make sure he was okay.”
Barnes, however, was as focused on his craft as Loring had been on his play. “I saw him coming right at me,” Barnes remembered with a chuckle. “I guess I should’ve moved, but I wanted the picture, so I stayed too long.” When asked if it was worth it, he smiled and replied, “Absolutely. I didn’t get hurt, so it was worth it.”
The incident might have ended there, but Loring’s thoughtfulness carried it forward. After the game, he penned a heartfelt letter apologizing for the collision and expressing appreciation for Barnes’s dedication to the team. “He was the first to help me up,” Barnes said. “And then he went beyond that with the letter. That really struck me. It was unusual and showed real maturity.”
For Loring, the gesture was sincere: “I wanted to show my appreciation for him always being there for us, and I wanted him to know I was truly sorry,” he explained. “Delivering it myself was important because I wanted him to feel how sincere I was.”
Touched by the gesture, Barnes invited Loring back the following Monday to view some of the game photos, and the young athlete arrived right on time. He handed over the note before discussing the photos, cementing Barnes’s impression of him as someone exceptional. “You hear so much these days about toughness,” Barnes said, “but here was this young man, showing responsibility and kindness. I was mightily impressed by him as a person.”
The moment left a lasting impact on both of them. For Loring, the incident served as a reminder of his own values: “Looking back, I wish I’d slowed down after scoring, but I’m glad this allowed me to get to know Mr. Bob and express my gratitude.”
Reflecting on the experience, Barnes is grateful to have captured an unforgettable play—and, more importantly, a new friendship. From an unplanned collision, the two have forged a bond that exemplifies the strength of the William Penn community and the depth of respect and character it fosters.
