Rick Burns Dec. 11, 2007

Burns leaving Central

PELLA—After four seasons as head women’s soccer coach at Central College, Rick Burns has announced his resignation.      

He will continue teaching in Central’s exercise science department through the spring semester.

Burns piloted a young Dutch squad to a 10-5-3 record this fall, as Central advanced to the Iowa Conference tourney semifinals. The .638 winning percentage was the highest in the program’s history. Burns compiled a 41-41-6 record over four seasons. He has a 293-191-29 career mark, having previously coached at Gordon College (Mass.), Drury University (Mo.), Mount Holyoke College (Mass.), Mercyhurst College (Pa.) and St. Mary’s University (Minn.). Burns is a five-time conference coach of the year and has authored some 60 articles in coaching and soccer publications.

“I have opted to stand down as coach,” Burns said. “But I will carry on with my teaching duties here at Central.

“The accomplishments of the women’s soccer team this past season were very pleasing to me. I feel we came as close to fulfilling our potential as any team I have ever coached.

“I want to stay connected, vibrant and useful in whatever occupation I pursue. Soccer has been my hobby and passion as well as my work for the past 30 years. I remain open to future coaching opportunities.

“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to coach the past four years at Central and for the many good colleagues I worked with daily.”

“We have appreciated the time and experience Rick has given to our athletic and academic program the past four years,” athletics director Al Dorenkamp said. “It was fun to watch our young women compete this fall. We wish Rick the best in the future.”

Dorenkamp said the search for a new coach begins immediately.

“We feel we have many great facilities and resources along with increasing soccer enthusiasm to help our program become highly competitive,” he said.