Tuesday, April 20, 2004

Nine is enough for Warren Easts Phil Burkeen. After spending nine years as the Raiders athletics director, Burkeen announced his resignation from the position this morning. I just feel like to adequately do the job, the athletic directors in Warren County are not provided with administrative time to fulfill what is essentially a full-time position, Burkeen said. And I want to spend more time with my family. Ive missed a lot over the years. Along with being the Raiders athletics director, Burkeen has been the Lady Raiders head softball coach. He still plans to coach in the future. As softball coach I think its very difficult for a head coach to be an athletic director, Burkeen said. Theres just too many responsibilities. But five years down the road, Id still like to be coaching softball at Warren East. Maybe even another sport during the fall. Burkeen is currently in his 21st season at the school and has spent his entire tenure with the Raiders as a coach. After starting out as an assistant slowpitch softball coach, Burkeen became head slowpitch softball coach in 1988. Burkeen also oversaw the program as it made the transition from slowpitch to fastpitch during the 1996 season. Heading into the Lady Raiders matchup against Warren Central, Burkeen has 382 softball victories. Burkeens most recent success came in 2002 when he took the Lady Raiders to the state tournament. Ive enjoyed my days at Warren East and Ill continue to do so, Burkeen said. The administration has been good to me here. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700