As expected, Burt approved by Archdiocese

Last week Prep-dog reported that Bob Burt had accepted the job as the Riverside Notre Dame football coach, pending the approval of the Archdiocese of San Bernardino.

Minutes ago Notre Dame athletic director Ken Scott called to say Burt has gotten that approval.

"I think it's a great hire," Scott said. "I think he'll keep the program at the level it's been at for the last three years. We're very excited about it and he can't wait to get started."

Burt is the athletic director at Temescal Canyon and was also the football coach until 2002. He had a 57-35-2 record with the Titans, including winning a CIF-SS title in 1995.

He is retiring as the A.D. at Temescal Canyon in June and accepting the district's retirement package. In order to coach in the district, he would not have been able to take the retirement package (since a full-time faculty member is desired). But Notre Dame was seeking a walk-on coach, making the assignment idea for the veteran educator/coach and his family, he said.

"I absolutely cannot wait," Burt said. "I'm very excited about getting things going. There will be a lot of adjustments - me to them, them to me and I'll need to assemble a staff. But the sooner I can start, the better."

Burt plans to meet with players on Tuesday.

He replaces Pat Thompson, who resigned after last season.

Notre Dame went 8-5 in 2007, including a 2-2 record in the Mountain Pass League.