South Putnam's Burgess leaves the Nest

Friday, January 30, 2026 at 8:38 AM

By Paul Gable

Whoever said you can't go back home never told Troy Burgess.

The South Putnam athletic director will turn in his keys with the Eagles at the end of the school year and pick up a whistle again after being named the head football coach at Owen Valley. It marks his second stint with the Patriots.

Burgess, who is 121-92 in 21 seasons, posted a 33-9 record at Owen Valley from 1998 to 2001. He cut his teeth as an assistant coach with the Patriots before leaving for Greenfield-Central, South Putnam, Evansville Central and Frontier. At Evansville Central, he led the Bears to a 13-2 mark and the Class 4A state title game in 2018. He last coached a game in 2021 at Frontier, finishing 1-9 that season.

He becomes the fourth coach at Owen Valley since 2022 and inherits a team that has gone a combined 7-25 since going 13-1 in 2022.

South Putnam coach Chuck Sorrell wished Burgess all the best.

“Congratulations Coach Burgess, it has been an honor to learn and work with one of the best. I am excited to see you back in a coaching role. Your contributions to South Putnam Athletics are appreciated and you will be greatly missed," Sorrell said.

Owen Valley hosts South Putnam on Oct. 9.