20 YEARS IS ENOUGH: JACKSON BOYS BASKETBALL COACH TO RETIRE

JACKSON -- Boys basketball games at Jackson just won't be the same next year.

Steve Burk, Jackson's coach for the last 20 years, told the Southeast Missourian Tuesday that he will be retiring upon season's end.

"It's time," said Burk. "I've been here 20 years and it's been good. But it's demanding and time consuming and it's a good time to step away from the game. I just think for me, I'm at a point where I just need to step away and see if I can't relax a bit."

Burk said he knew going into the season that this would be his last, but withheld the announcement until administration thought the time was best.

"I talked to my players yesterday and told them," he said. "They were surprised, some of them."

Burk has compiled a 387-199 record over his career. Before coaching at Jackson, he coached two years in Chester, Ill., and two years as girls basketball coach at Francis Howell.

Burk, who is known for his fiery nature on the court, but his humbleness off it, said his relationships with players is what he'll remember most.

"The best memories are about the kids you've worked with," Burk said. You always want to win as much as you can, but the bottom line is the kids and getting the most out of their ability. That's as gratifying as anything.

"The game's about the kids. It's not a big deal (about me retiring). High school basketball is always about the kids and not the coaches. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to coach here for 20 years. That says something about the district and its patience."

Burk said he will continue to teach social studies.

The vacancy to be left by Burk will likely draw interest from many coaches.

One of those coaches will probably be Mike Kiehne, in his third year as Burk's assistant. Kiehne, a Jackson graduate, was an all-state player and an NAIA All-American in college.

"I'm sure he'll be a candidate and I'm sure he'd be thrilled to have it," Burk said. "But the administration will do what they feel best."

Jackson still has some games left this year, though.

The Indians will begin district play next week as the fourth seed in a balanced five-team district. Jackson will play Farmington, the fifth seed at 7:30 p.m. Monday.