Dave Burgess, the college’s first track and field and cross country coach, has retired, effective July 31.
Burgess coached at the college from 1986 to 1998. He coached student athletes to 30 NJCAA championships, according to his JCCC Athletics Hall of Fame page. He also coached 10 athletes who qualified to compete in USA Olympic Trials in 1992 and 1996.
“What a pleasure to coach so many great young people,” Burgess said in a post on JCCC Athletics’ Facebook page. “The story of the athletes to come through the program are remarkable… To all of you keep working hard, your stories continue. God Bless you. [sic] Dave has left the building!”
Burgess was inducted into the NJCAA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1998.
Mike Bloemker, current track and cross country head coach, said Burgess’ “unbelievable knowledge” of track and field made him a great friend and mentor.
“[Burgess] genuinely loves this college,” Bloemker said. “He really believes in the mission of the college and what we’re doing here.”
Compiled by Mackenzie Clark, mclark68@jccc.edu