Michigan State University Athletics
Burke Has Overcome Obstacles To Lead Football
10/1/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 1, 1999
The perfect blend for a successful quarterback is not always an easy one.
However, there is formula ? just ask Spartan senior quarterback Bill Burke. He has his own special recipe.
Here are the ingredients. Take a fifth-year player who has been through a red-shirt season, unbearable back pains, and a starting quarterback controversy. For good measure, throw in a record-setting season his junior year to set the stage for his senior campaign. Then, in his final season, make him the clear-cut starter. Now, mix and see the results.
The finished product? An experienced senior quarterback leading an undefeated Spartan football team into today's game with Iowa.
It may not be the easiest path to take, but then again, Burke probably wouldn?t know how to handle it any other way. Over the course of his career, not many athletes have had to face the kind of adversity that Burke has had to overcome. Listening to Burke, however, one might mistake him for an experienced counselor lecturing student-athletes on the pressures of college athletics, wise beyond his years.
?The most important thing is keeping a level head during the tough situations,? said Burke. ?At times it can get rough, but you have to remain calm. There are so many up-and-downs in this game, you try not to take everything too seriously.
?This is my senior season, and I want to go out with a bang,? he continued. ?The most important thing is to have fun, and right now, I am having the time of my life.?
Life wasn?t always this great for Burke.
Red-shirted during his first year, Burke made an unexpected scene at quarterback in the 1996 season. Going from third-string to starter within two weeks seemed too good to be true for Burke.
It was. The first of many roadblocks was just around the corner.
Burke was soon plagued with injuries to his back, and became the backup quarterback during his sophomore year. After waiting his turn in ?97, Burke expected to make an impact in his junior season. Others, however, expected heralded high-school All-America freshman quarterback Ryan Van Dyke to step into the position.
Once again, Burke showed his calm attitude towards the game. Not letting the criticism get to him, he proved on the field why he was the number one man. And he did so in memorable fashion. Burke had a record-setting year for the Spartans in ?98, setting a school season-high mark for passing yards with 2595 yards, along with 19 touchdowns. His 19-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio was the best at MSU since Dave Yarema?s in 1985.
Looking back on last year, Burke has only learned more about the everyday pressures to help this season?s squad.
?I didn?t realize it last year, but the whole situation was really a learning experience,? Burke said. ?All of the adversity I faced last season has really helped me prepare for this season. It helped me put things into perspective, and, as a result, my confidence is at a higher level this year.?
One of the most memorable moments from a year ago was the stunning upset of No. 1-ranked Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio. Burke threw for 323 yards and one touchdown in the victory. ?That was the biggest thrill of my life,? said Burke about beating the Buckeyes. ?Being from Ohio, it was great to go down there and show them that I could play. It was an absolutely wonderful feeling.?
Although the Spartans did not make it to postseason play in 1998, the win over Ohio State showed the prospects of what could happen during the '99 season.
?We have a much better attitude this season,? Burke said. ?The guys have better focus, and are really determined to fix the things that went wrong last year.
?This team has high goals. We want to win the Big Ten championship, and we want to go to a New Year?s Day bowl game.?
These high aspirations could have some feeling the heat to perform well. Not Burke.
?It is important to bring a sense of calmness with you out onto the field," he said. "Guys look to you in the huddle for leadership, and you need someone out there to be in control of things. I feel an important asset to having a successful football team is having composed leaders.?
Although Burke won?t admit it, he is one of those composed leaders. A leader who has experienced more than most.
?It has been really fun playing this year so far, and I don?t see why that won?t continue,? said Burke. ?The team is ready for a successful season. I want my last season as a Spartan to be a memorable one.?
After all Burke has been through, it?s hard to imagine that won?t come true.
By Ben Phlegar, MSU Sports Information Student Assistant
