Jake Burkholder

Jake Burkholder has been named the head coach of the recently merged football team for Southwestern and Frewsburg central school districts. Burkholder, a social studies teacher and longtime Southwestern head coach, was appointed to lead the Trojans/Bears for the 2025 season.

A 2006 graduate of Southwestern, Burkholder’s Trojan roots run deep. He was part of the first sectional title team in 2004 under Coach Jay Sirianni, and is also currently a district teacher and coach. He says he is “incredibly honored” to take on the role.

“This is an amazing opportunity to bring together two great communities and two strong traditions and build a new, united culture built on hard work, accountability, and pride,” Burkholder said. “My focus is on creating a team where each player feels valued, challenged, and motivated to grow not just as athletes, but as young men and leaders.”

Expanding a trend of districts opting to share athletics, Southwestern and Frewsburg recently approved the merging of the varsity and junior varsity football teams, competitive cheerleading teams, girls varsity swim teams, girls varsity tennis teams, and boys varsity swim teams.

“Sharing sports between Frewsburg and Southwestern helps ensure more opportunities for student-athletes, and I have complete confidence and faith in Coach Burkholder’s abilities to unite the Bears and the Trojans,” Superintendent Maureen Donahue said. “He is committed to helping all players grow and succeed and we are going to have a great first season.”

“Frewsburg is delighted to have Coach Burkholder guiding our football players in this collaboration with Southwestern,” Dr. Danielle J. Cook, Frewsburg superintendent, said. “Both our districts are going to benefit by these players sharing their talents together and building strengths.”

Burkholder cites Superintendent Donahue, high school Principal Scott Cooper, and the school board as being supportive throughout his career.

“They’ve trusted my vision and leadership and have provided the support needed for me to step confidently into this new role,” said Burkholder, noting their mutual commitment to both the success of the newly merged program and the growth of our student-athletes has been clear from day one.

“Their support has allowed me to focus on building a strong foundation for this team, knowing I have the full support of our administration behind me every step of the way,” he continued.

Burkholder said he is especially looking forward to watching the Frewsburg and Southwestern communities rally to back the students this fall.

“I’m excited to get to work, build something special, and show what this newly formed family can achieve,” he said.

A resident of Lakewood and a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, Burkholder enjoys spending time with his wife and their three sons and traveling. He holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration from Washington & Jefferson College and in adolescent social studies education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He earned a master’s degree in curriculum & instruction from Western Governors University in 2025.