Investigation of assault charge involving Springdale High School baseball coach continues

Embattled Springdale High School baseball coach Brett Burger is still not coaching the team and may not be back before the conclusion of this season.

Allegheny Valley School District Superintendent Patrick Graczyk confirmed Thursday that the district is still investigating an incident last month in which Burger was charged with assaulting a woman, according to a criminal complaint filed with Harmar District Judge David Sosovicka.

Connor McKeel has been coaching the team in Burger’s absence, and the Dynamos have just three regular season games remaining: Friday at home vs. Summit Academy, Monday at Riverview and next Thursday at Cornell. The team’s overall record so far is 1-10.

Graczyk declined to comment on the situation or Burger’s status with the district.

After the incident was reported last month, Graczyk issued a statement: “Once our investigation is complete, we will determine if any action is necessary.”

On April 18, Springdale police officer Fred Hockenberry said he responded to a call at a home where a woman said she and Burger were arguing and he “punched and strangled her.” She told the officer Burger took her phone but gave it back when she said she wouldn’t call the police.

Hockenberry said the woman told him she did not need medical treatment.

Burger acknowledged to the officer there was an argument, police said. Burger told police he and the woman pushed each other but he denied any punching or choking took place.

Burger was arraigned April 19 and released on a $2,500 unsecured bond.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Sosovicka on May 17 at 10 a.m.

Burger, a Springdale High School graduate, was hired in 2017. He coached the junior high and junior varsity teams at Fox Chapel Area for six years before coaching at Highlands High in Harrison for one season.