Burgess takes the helm
- Updated: July 13, 2016
Donoho gives former Oxford, JSU golfer another call to run its golf team
By Al Muskewitz
East Alabama Sports Today
The last time the timing wasn’t quite right, but this time it’s perfect.
Garrett Burgess has been hired as the new golf coach at Donoho. He replaces Madison Williams.
Two years ago he agreed to become the Falcons’ coach, but had to withdraw, citing conflicts that would prevent him from making a 100 percent commitment. That’s when the Falcons hired Williams.
“Originally I was like I’ll do it, but it was … not a good time for me to tackle something like that,” Burgess said. “I felt it was going to take away a lot from what I had going on to get out there and … I didn’t think I could manage everything I needed to do before 2:30 in the afternoon.
“It’s not going to be easy now, but it’s an opportunity I think I need to try to partake in. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a good fit for us and work out really good. I’m anxious to see how it all plays out.”
Williams took the Falcons to the state finals in both of her two seasons with the program. This past season, they finished second in the County Tournament, won the sectional, finished second in the sub-state and were fourth in the state tournament at Hampton Cove. They also were fourth at Magnolia Grove in 2014.
Williams said she was “kind of shocked” when called to a meeting to discuss the change, but is “all good” with the decision. She said next year was going to be her last anyway as she prepares to enter law school.
“It was a good learning experience,” Williams said. “It’s different when you’re coaching and actually playing. I learned a lot. I learned how to deal with kids and adversity. It was a good time. Now I’m going to focus on getting into law school and spend my time towards that.”
Burgess inherits a team he expects will be “pretty competitive.” It will be built around returning starters Jacob Lecroy and Jack Svensen and newcomer Harrison Hughston.
Lecroy, a rising sophomore, said he was “pumped” about Burgess becoming the head coach.
“I think he will be a great help to our golf team,” he said. “He has played the game a really long time and he knows a lot about it. He is going to teach us more than we have ever been taught before.
“When he was getting talked about becoming the coach (before) I hoped he would take it because he knows how to play the game and he would show us all that he knows. He will help the whole team, especially the people who just starting to play. … I can’t wait for him to start coaching us.”
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