The Cobb Schools’ Athletic Department has selected the latest Coach of the Month (COM) winners. The COM award shines a light on a female and a male coach doing exceptional work in Cobb County School District. 

In conjunction with the Atlanta Braves and Good Game Atlanta, the winners receive a complimentary one-night stay at Aloft Atlanta at the Battery and dinner from Good Game Atlanta. 

“This is a small token of our appreciation for their efforts both on and off the field,” said Cobb’s Director of Athletics, Don Baker. “Coaches teach a full day, and their days are only half over when the bell rings at 3:30. They continue to work with our student-athletes for hours each week, often at the expense of their own spouses and children. We believe we have the best coaches in the state and want to celebrate them as much as possible!”

The winners for November are from McEachern and South Cobb. Jake Burgdorf coaches flag football for the Indians, and Angela Fry is the wrestling coach for the Eagles.

Jake Burgdorf, Flag Football, McEachern

In its short three-year existence, McEachern’s flag football program has quickly become one of the best in the state. A total record of 35-8 (16-1 in the region) has garnered the Lady Indians a lot of attention. This season, Coach Burgdorf led his team to a best-ever 18-1 record, with their only loss coming as a disappointing Elite 8 elimination to Milton in the state tournament last week. The Lady Indians were the top-ranked team in the state for most of the season.

A math teacher at McEachern, Coach Burgdorf has been teaching and coaching at McEachern for the last seven years. He was a part of the coaching staff for the Indian football team for four years before accepting the head coaching position for flag football three years ago. While still a new sport in Georgia, flag football is gaining popularity among players and fans. Well-coached teams like McEachern are an integral part of the fast rise of this exciting sport.

“Coach Burgdorf is a very conscientious teacher and coach,” said McEachern principal Regina Montgomery. “As an administrator, I can always count on him to do the right thing and to treat our students well. McEachern is very lucky to have him on our staff.”

Angela Fry, Wrestling, South Cobb

Last season, the Eagle wrestling program was without a head coach and in danger of collapse. Already a coach of two other sports, Coach Fry jumped in to ensure the continuation of South Cobb wrestling. She stepped in again this year as the Eagle athletic department continued its head coach search. The team has been successful and improving under her leadership and has even grown since last season. This year, Coach Fry had to start from scratch and rebuild the coaching staff. She connected with wrestling alumni and has brought on a community coach with wrestling expertise to help her guide the team. 

The 17-year education veteran has taught at all levels (Seven years at Hendricks Elementary, three years at Smitha Middle, and seven years at South Cobb). She teaches Read 180 and serves as the head volleyball coach and assistant soccer coach for South Cobb, in addition to her new role as the interim wrestling coach.

“As an administrator, it’s invaluable having people like this on your staff who are always there to help and support as needed,” said South Cobb Athletic Director Amanda Burks. “Coach Fry is always willing to help wherever she is needed and is always ‘hustling’ for her programs. We are blessed to have her on our staff, and she certainly does not get enough recognition for all she does here.”

Congratulations, Coaches Burgdorf and Fry! Thank you for all your efforts and tireless support of academics and athletics in Cobb Schools. You’re both great examples of why Cobb is the best place to Teach, Lead, and Learn!