Matt Burke, state coach of the year, out as Wellsville softball coach. What happens next

Wellsville Central School has parted ways with veteran varsity softball coach Matt Burke two games into the 2024 season.

Burke, who has led the powerful Wellsville softball program since 2015, is the reigning New York State Class B softball Coach of Year after leading the Lady Lions to their third straight sectional crown and a state semifinals berth in 2023.

The Wellsville school district did not comment on the nature of Burke's departure, but confirmed the tentative appointment of Jaime McLaughlin and Shelley Chaffee as co-coaches of the varsity softball team.

"Bringing a wealth of experience and a sterling track record, Jaime and Shelley are committed to fostering healthy competition and promoting sportsmanship within the team," said superintendent David Foster. "Together, they boast an impressive 40-plus years of combined teaching and softball expertise."

About the new Wellsville softball coaches

Both Chaffee and McLaughlin have extensive experience with the Wellsville softball program, both as players and coaches. Both are members of the Wellsville Sports Hall of Fame and the program's own Diamond of Honor recognizing top contributors.

Chaffee has served as Wellsville's varsity statistician since 2016. She was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Diamond of Honor in 2021. Chaffee played five years of varsity softball in a Wellsville uniform and later coached the team in the late 1980s, compiling a 43-17 record.

McLaughlin was inducted into the Diamond of Honor in 2022. Her Wellsville teams went 46-3 her final two seasons with multiple Section V titles during her playing days in the mid-1990s. McLaughlin served as Wellsville varsity softball coach from 2006-2011, and has coached JV softball and JV girls soccer teams at Wellsville. She also coached softball and soccer at Alfred University.

"With their seasoned leadership at the helm, the Wellsville softball team is poised for continued success on and off the field," said Foster. "Their competence and positivity are sure to inspire the athletes."

Foster said Rod Perry will continue his role as assistant coach. Longtime assistant Jason Sibble does not appear on the updated roster.

Wellsville softball has returned to top of Section V in recent years

Burke compiled an overall record of 144-30 entering the 2024 campaign. After a few deep postseason runs and two trips to the finals, Burke and the Lions broke through and won the Section V, Class B2 championship in 2021 . It marked the program’s first title since 2003. The team finished the season with a 21-1 record.

Wellsville went back to back with another Section V title in 2022. This time, the team also advanced to the program’s first Far West Regional since 2003. The Lions finished the year 20-4.

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Last season, the Lions clinched the Section V three-peat and again took their run a step further, advancing to the state semifinals for the first time in 23 years. Wellsville finished the season 22-2.

After splitting its first two games of 2024, the Lady Lions beat Hornell 18-1 Thursday in the team's first game since the coaching change.

In addition to success on the diamond, Burke's tenure has also included improvements to Tullar Field, including a new scoreboard, press box and batting cages.

Wellsville hosts Cowanesque Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday. The scheduled induction of the 1994 championship team in the Diamond of Honor after the game has been cancelled.

Burke did not immediately return phone calls seeking comment.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Matt Burke, state coach of the year, out as Wellsville softball coach. What happens next