Westwood’s Burroughs steps down

BLYTHEWOOD- Westwood’s head baseball coach, Jonathan Burroughs, has stepped down, after four seasons at the helm.

“It was an emotional and tough decision,” Burroughs said. “The bond built here over the past four years is very strong. Stepping away is hard, but I know I am doing the right thing for my family. The program is moving in the right direction and has a lot of talent returning. I am looking forward to following them next season.”

Burroughs took the reins for the Redhawks ahead of the 2013-2014 season, and he notched the first two-regional victories in school history. Last year three Westwood baseball players committed to play at the collegiate level; Before that no Westwood baseball player had received a scholarship to play college ball.

In 2017 Burroughs guided the Redhawks to the school’s first playoff berth, and for his work he earned Region Co-Coach of the Year. Burroughs will not seek other coaching opportunities, instead, he plans to stay in the Westwood community with his family and continue to further his education.

“My wife and I had many talks about the direction our family is going. We have a 14-month old daughter and we’re looking at possibly more,” Burroughs said. “Working towards my administration degree, all that factored in. I never ask the guys to go less than 100 percent and to always give max effort. I feel at this point in my life giving 100 percent to the program was going to be difficult for me, and the guys deserve better. All of these factors went into my decision.”

“I would like to thank all currently involved in the program, as well as those in past years for making the experience a memorable one. Once a Redhawk, always a Redhawk. #ringthebell”