Community baseball coach Burrahm resigns

Community will have a new baseball coach in 2010 after Josh Burrahm recently announced his resignation. (T-G File Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Josh Burrahm has stepped down as Community High School's baseball coach, ending a four-year relationship with the Viking program.

Burrahm, whose team finished with a 10-15 record this season, will stay on at Community Junior High when the high and middle schools split this fall.

"My future plans are kind of up in the air," Burrahm said. "There is a lot going on with the new high school opening up, and we just felt that it would be easier for all involved for the high school coach to be located over there.

"I had talked with (principal) Robert (Ralston) last year and told him that this would probably be my last year. Nothing happened during the year to convince me otherwise.

"It was my decision totally. I just felt that it was time for somebody else to have a shot at it."

Burrahm, a Martin Methodist graduate, also felt that he would like to spend more time with his wife Casey, also a teacher at Community, and daughter Caroline, 2.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve these last four years," Burrahm said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the kids, they are a good group.

"I would like to say thanks to all of the parents for their support. It has been an honor to work with them. We made some progress with this group and there is some good talent remaining for next year. I wish the new coach and the kids nothing but the best and I will be one of their biggest fans."

The Vikings will return most of their roster with a very talented group of eighth graders on the way.

"Josh has been an integral part of the Viking program and will continue to do well in whatever role he finds himself in next season," Community assistant principal Keith Williams said.

"He is a great person and a fine teacher. He was an excellent athlete in high school and college and those traits carried over to his coaching career.

"I hope that our community realizes just how good he has been for our student athletes and for our school."