WATKINSVILLE — After 13 years as the boys basketball coach at Dawson County, Thad Burgess said it was time for a new challenge.
Burgess confirmed Friday that the Oconee County School Board on Thursday night had approved him to become the new head boys basketball at Oconee County High School.
"To be in one place for 13 years, that's a long time," Burgess said. "But I had four daughters graduate their so it's a special place to me. But, I felt like I needed a new challenge and the job at Oconee County opened up. I grew up in a college town (Auburn, Ala.) and I love the Athens area and love that atmosphere and Oconee County is a great school. I'm excited about the opportunity."
During his 13 years at Dawson County, Burgess led the Tigers to nine playoff appearances. Their best season was in the 2011-12 campaign when they reached the Elite 8 of the Class AA playoffs before falling to Jordan 48-47 on a last-minute shot.
Dawson County will now be conducting a search to fill that spot.
