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Biglerville basketball coach steps down


The Biglerville girls varsity basketball coach said he didn't want to short-change his players on a promising season.

So Mark Silko stepped down after just the first weekend of games.

Biglerville officials announced Monday evening that Silko, 52, resigned after only one season leading the girls program. The Canners were 4-18 last season. They lost both of their season-opening games last weekend.

Jeff Kahlbaugh will take over as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, according to Biglerville athletic director Anthony Graham.

Silko cited a number of factors that led to his decision, including work-related duties and a desire to spend more time with his family, especially during his youngest son's senior year of high school.

Silko also coached Biglerville's boys and girls tennis team this past year. Before taking over the head basketball duties last fall he said he had served as a high school basketball official for nearly three decades. He said he also officiates soccer games.

"I can't give the time to (coaching basketball) that I thought I would," he said.

"A couple of weeks ago we were passing out uniforms and I just couldn't be there (because of a work engagement). And one of the teachers said to me, 'Mark, are you sure you didn't bite off more than you can chew?'"

Meanwhile, Kahlbaugh is familiar with the Biglerville program, most recently working under former varsity head coach Rob Moore for seven years.