AJ Burton steps down from golf program

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Athletic Department has announced the resignation of former Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach AJ Burton.

Burton took over the golf program in the fall of 2021 and in his first season broke a 10-year drought to capture a Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) championship. Burton repeated again as conference champion in 2022 and was awarded both YSCC Coach of the Year and United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Coach of the Year in the same season. Finishing as conference runners-up in 2023, Burton led the golf program to its third consecutive USCAA National Tournament where the Seawolves carded an all-time best fourth place at the two-day event.

In his three seasons, Burton produced five YSCC All-Conference selections, two USCAA All-Americans, and three USCAA Academic All-Americans. His teams totaled 11 first place finishes, individuals logged eight first place medals, and Burton’s 2023 group finished with a 323.0 team-best scoring average spanning seven rounds.

Further and with the recruitment efforts made by Coach Burton, the Athletic Department was able to offer its inaugural women’s golf program in the fall of 2023. Rostering four women, SMCC participated in both women’s circuit events and on scoring teams during conference competition.

Coach Burton commented, “First, I can’t thank both Matt Richards and Ethan Wells enough for the opportunity to take over the golf program three years ago. As I reflect, it’s been an incredible ride seeing the overall growth of the golf program in the athletic department. While there were many achievements earned by our golfers, some of the best parts during my time was helping build the first ever women’s golf team. The relationships I’ve built with those current and former student-athletes will have lasting impacts on both ends—playing a big role in shaping the coach I am today. I’m excited to watch the golf program continue to blossom and see it reach new heights in both the regional and national circuits!”

Associate Dean of Athletics and Alumni Affairs Matt Richards expressed, “AJ has been an outstanding leader of the golf program over the past three seasons. He has recruited outstanding student-athletes and built a competitive roster on both the men’s and women’s side. I can’t thank him enough for his efforts in creating a positive culture that surrounds the golf program here at SMCC!”

Burton will continue his role as Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Academic Advisor at the College.

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