Burgess to Stay at Coronado High

Randy Burgess says he is an Islander at heart, and that led him to change his mind and remain at Coronado High School instead of beginning the new water polo program at Rancho Bernardo.

Burgess informed Rancho Bernardo Principal Sandra Johnson of his decision Tuesday. Johnson announced earlier this month that Burgess was the school’s new coach, but he had not yet signed a contract. That afforded him time and opportunity to change his mind.

“Coronado is where my family and friends are,” Burgess said. “I left Coronado once, after the CIF championship teams in ’83 and ’84 to go to Mesa College, and I came back two years later. My heart is here in Coronado.”

Under Burgess, Coronado has won five San Diego Section titles in seven years, including the past three.