Steve Verberg made frequent references to his “kids” when he resigned from Bad Ax High School and discussed his role as the varsity football head coach in a phone interview with the Tribune on Wednesday.
VerBurg accepted a teaching job offer in the metropolitan Detroit area where his children go to school. He also has grandchildren who live downstate and couldn’t turn down the opportunity to live and work close to his family.
One of the Hatchetts’ opponents withdrew during the 2022 season, he said, and the chance came during that open week to visit the kids.
On Wednesday, he also spoke about the “kids” who make up the Bad Ax football team. I told you. He said he knew it wouldn’t be an easy conversation and was happy to be their coach and watch them grow as players and as young men. .
“It would be hard not to see those boys,” Verburg said.
In 2022, VerBurg took over as Hatchets head coach after serving as former head coach Kalen Pokley’s assistant the previous year. VerBurg came to the Axes from Laker Public School where he headed football for several seasons.
Bad Ax fans can look forward to seeing a reviving program that began in 2020 as the Hatchetz captured the Greater Sam West League title share and their first playoff victory since 1978. said there is. The 2023 varsity holds a lot of promise and will lead the team to success in the years to come.
VerBurg posted on Facebook on Wednesday, writing to his players, “I am proud of you and all of your efforts. You have a special place in my heart and will always be my son.”
VerBurg also praised his coaching staff, describing them as a hard working group who deserve a lot of credit for the work they have done. He has worked with people he has come to look up to and admire, like Eric Sweeney, Scott Cassler, Troy Scherke, Josh Hahn, Dave Levasseur, and other coaches in the Greater Sam Conference. He added that he would miss coaching.
“[The administration]cares about all the children,” VerBurg said.