Coach Burkiewicz holds the regional plaque won by his 2023-24 team. He’s surrounded by senior players (from left), Olivia Goodley, Kaylee Celus, Zoey Vance and Elaina Manuel. [Photo courtesy of Kim Fargher Burkiewicz]

After losing a tough 53-46 Tuesday night sectional semifinal game against Illini Bluffs in Bushnell, longtime Annawan Coach Jason Burkiewicz decided to take a break from coaching. 

Burkiewicz resigned after 14 years as the head coach and 16 years, total, with the Annawan girls basketball program. “I’ll never forget the players’ commitment toward our program year in and year out and having put us on a run of successful seasons that will be hard for any program to duplicate,” said Burkiewicz in Wednesday’s press release. 

“I cannot thank Annawan enough for the opportunity to run their program. The community has been unbelievable with their support. I haven’t had a single parent issue in over 10 years, which is very unique in today’s age. For that I am also thankful,” he added.

“Being involved in big games with pressure to win every year has taken its toll on me and I’m a tired coach. I look forward to spending more time with my family and doing other things I love. Maybe someday a return to the bench is possible. As for now, the batteries need a recharge.”

Burkiewicz had a 341-93 (.788) record while at the helm of the Annawan program. During his impressive run, Burkiewicz led the Bravettes to two Class 1A state titles (in 2014 and 2017) and a third-place effort in 2013.

His teams’ achievements are numerous and include fhree super-sectional titles; six sectional titles; seven trips to the Sweet 16; and 10 regional championships. 

Also impressive are his teams’ four 30-win seasons (including a school record of 34 wins in 2018) and eleven seasons of 20 or more wins. There’s also a 55-game win streak, which ranks fifth of all-time in the IHSA record books. 

Jason Burkiewicz (holding son, Beckham) and his wife, Kim (holding son, Grayson) pose with the hardware won during the 2017 state title-winning season. [Photo courtesy of Kim Fargher Burkiewicz]

Annawan wreaked havoc in the Lincoln Trail Conference during Burkiewicz’s tenure. In all, the Bravettes won 10 LTC championships and nine LTC Tournament championships. 

While the numerous titles and the overflowing trophy case are impressive, the countless memories created during the Coach Burkiewicz era will, perhaps, be the most important and lasting part of his legacy.