Newburgh reappoints track coach for winter season

By Lina Wu
Posted 9/18/19

After several meetings, the crowd of supporters that gathered at the Newburgh Board of Education Auditorium last week finally heard the words they had waited to hear: a popular coach, whose …

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Newburgh reappoints track coach for winter season

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After several meetings, the crowd of supporters that gathered at the Newburgh Board of Education Auditorium last week finally heard the words they had waited to hear: a popular coach, whose re-appointment had been tabled previously, was being re-appointed for another season of winter track.

For many, Coach Malcom Burks has been a long-time hallmark of the community. For them, it was a shock when Burks was left off of the initial reappointment list for winter coaching appointments. After a long summer of unanswered questions, the community finally has an answer. Finally, last Tuesday, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Burks for the winter season.

Burks’ position and the positions of many coaches were in jeopardy after the Newburgh Enlarged City School District came under controversy due to allegations of student athlete participation despite academic ineligibility. Burks was one of many coaches investigated by the Orange County Grand Jury and the district during its own investigation.

After an hour-long executive session, the meeting officially opened up for public comment on agenda items at 7:10 p.m. Alumnae, Kayla Phipps made a passionate plea for Burks’ position. Kayla Phipps was part of the 2017 track team, and managed to witness the impact Burks had on the lives of students. Burks became both a coach and a life mentor for many. He encouraged students to pursue college educations and to have better lives outside of school.

“Don’t do this to the community. We’re [the youth of Newburgh] trying to grow up.” Phipps pleaded, “We’re trying to see Newburgh be better than what it was in the past 30 years.” According to Phipps, about 40 percent of the Newburgh Free Academy student body is on the track team. Throughout the comments, you could hear supporters chanting and clapping in agreement.

“I’d like to thank the public for coming out to support number six [Burks’ number on the list of reappointed coaches],” said Board member Darren Stridiron. The audience responded in claps and cheers. “It really makes a difference to hear from the public about what the public feels about certain things.”

The meeting ended on a high note. Some audience members lingered to speak to Burks. Burks stood in a corner greeting supporters, friends, media, and more.

“It lets me know that in my 22 years of coaching I’ve been doing the right thing,” Burks said. “So, this shows me that my life’s work in my 22 years here has been noted.”