Christopher Burke was named assistant coach and Defensive Coordinator for the Saints men's lacrosse team prior to the 2018 season. In his first season, he helped the program to a 5-12 record. Defensively he helped lead a unit that attained a Caused Turnover Per game of 9.53 (12th nationally) and a 9.0 goals against average (31st). From this defensive unit, freshmen defensemen Jake Socia and Tim McCarthy received GLVC All-Conference Honors.
Burke helped the Saints post their best mark with a 9-6 record, including the program's first win over a nationally-ranked team as Maryville defeated No 18 St. Leo. Five of the team's losses that season occurred against ranked squads. Bolstered by the defense, the Saints reeled off the program's longest winning streak at seven games. Burke coached Lucas Shafer to the 2019 GLVC Men's Lacrosse Player of the Year honor, and Jayden Fraser was the GLVC Freshman of the Year. In addition, the Saints had seven individuals named All-GLVC. Burke helped the Maryville defense lead the nation in Caused Turnovers per Game at 13.93. Individually, Jake Socia was second nationally in CTs at 2.67, while Tim McCarthy and Jordan Shumate tied for 11th in the country.
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Burke, a Virginia Beach, Va., native, played lacrosse at First Colonial Lacrosse Club where he participated in three division championships. Before taking the field as a player, he joined the coaching staff at St. Leo University, under the tutelage of Bradley Jorgensen, for two years prior to walking on and playing for the Lions. As a coach, Burke helped the Lions to an overall record of 16-13 and a SSC and DSC Playoff appearances.
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Burke was a three-year player, and made the biggest impact as a man-down specialist. He served as team captain his senior season. Burke led Saint Leo to an SSC conference tournament bid and an overall record of 25-17.
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Before his college playing career at St. Leo, Burke served in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Corporal and receiving the Purple Heart for being combat wounded while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. While at St. Leo University, Burke also served as the Student Veterans of America President, received The Heart of The Lion Award, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in multimedia management.
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