By Darragh Doiron
The News staff writer
PORT NECHES – Longtime Port Neches-Groves High School Indians coach Matt Burnett will step down from coaching, but will not step too far off the field.
At a special meeting Tuesday, the PN-G board approved Burnett for a new position, outdoor athletic complex coordinator and attendance officer, for the 2009-2010 school year.
Burnett said he was excited to both work with students at all levels to encourage and motivate them to attend class and to coordinate sponsorships and bookings for the Indians’ brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium.
“Coaching at PN-G has been a dream come true for me. I feel blessed to have coached here for 22 years,” Burnett said. “I have loved every minute of it and have given my very best effort every day. I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding coaches in all types of sports. I have also had the privilege to coach kids that always played and practiced like winners. I want to thank my wife and family for always supporting me and allowing me to devote so much time to my job.”
Burnett, 51, has spent the past 15 years as head coach in a district where patrons have supported their team with purple pride and passion.
“What a great ride,” he said. “I will miss it, but for me and my family, the time has come to move in a new direction. I am happy with this new decision, and I look forward to my new position. I will continue to be the men’s athletic coordinator until the district hires one.”
“I love PN-G and all it stands for,” Burnett said.
When voting, board members discussed the big revenue potential that the new stadium is expected to bring with sponsorships and rentals for playoff games.
Burnett said he prided himself on encouraging and motivating young people and would be working with campus principals and visiting homes of students with poor attendance records.
Billy Curl, assistant superintendent, said more information on the hiring procedure of the next head coach would be upcoming in the future.
ddoiron@panews.com
http://www.panews.com/archivesearch/local_story_330210427.html
