HOF Coach Bill Burgess passes at 82
Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Coach, Bill Burgess, passed away Wednesday Morning at the age of 82. Burgess’ passing was confirmed by his son, radio personality, Rick Burgess.
Burgess spent many years coaching at not only the high school level in the state of Alabama but the collegiate level as well. Burgess made stops at both Woodlawn High School and Oxford High School before becoming the Head Coach at Jacksonville State University for twelve years. Throughout his career, Burgess notched a 127-68-5 record.
“We are indeed saddened to learn of Coach Bill Burgess’ death,” said AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs. “He was a legendary coach and strong leader who helped mold his teams and players into champions – several former players following him into the coaching profession.
“He was a mentor to so many and always a gentleman of outstanding character and faith. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the many student-athletes who had the opportunity to play on one of his teams.”
Burgess began his coaching stent at JSU in 1985 and ended with a 89-49-4 record. During his twelve seasons, he was able to help several of his teams achieve championships. In 1988, he lead his team to a NCAA II National Championship Game where they were the runner-up, and then in 1992 his team was crowned the NCAA Division II National Champions. In addition to these accomplishments, Burgess teams also claimed four Gulf South Conference Titles and had five straight appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Burgess was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in 1992, was selected three times as the Gulf South Coach of the year, and has been selected into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Jacksonville State Sports Hall of Fame, the Calhoun County Hall of Fame, and the Gulf South Hall of Fame.
-Information from AHSAA
