We continue our "Meet the Staff" series and find out more about assistant men's lacrosse coach Chris Burke. He has been with the Saints squad since 2018 and has helped Maryville become one of the best teams in the country in causing turnovers. Before his college playing career at St. Leo, Burke served in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Corporal and received the Purple Heart for being combat wounded while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Va.

College:
St. Leo University

Why did you want to work in athletics?
The ability to teach life lessons through sport.

Who was your biggest influence in athletics and why?
My brother, Ryan.

What was your favorite moment in your athletic career as a coach?
Beating #6 LIU-Post as a player.

As a fan, what is your favorite sports memory?
The N.Y. Jets beating the Patriots

Who is your favorite athlete of all-time?
Happy Gilmore

What is one of the most memorable games you have seen during your time on staff at Maryville?
The guys fighting to knock off St. Leo for the program's first win over a ranked team.

Describe a recent interaction with a student-athlete that will be a fond memory.
Having a previous player accomplish a life-long dream and get into West Point. The biggest thing for me is to see success off the field.

What makes the athletic department a great place to work?
The people.

Since the CoVID-19 pandemic hit, what have you focused on to keep a positive state of mind?
Control the things which we can control.

Away from work, what do you do for fun and to relax?
Stay active and explore St. Louis.