TU's Burgess Bringing a Spiritual Side to Hurricane Football
9/24/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
The game of football is often referred to by coaches and players as a "game of inches". Coaches drill players day-in and day-out on the opposing team's offense and defense and certain game situations. But sometimes despite all the practice and preparation, the game of football may come down to spiritual unity of the team.
When Keith Burns became the head coach of the Golden Hurricane in December 1999, he brought a new attitude, work ethic and belief to the Tulsa football program. But it takes more than a coach to come together and win ball games, it takes great players. Along with the sweeping changes Burns has made in just under two seasons, other changes on the team have occurred as a result of bonding and believing.
One of the driving forces behind this spiritual drive is senior free safety Harold Burgess II. Burgess is a fifth-year senior on this year's squad. He believes the Hurricane football team will not only be better this year because of experience, depth, outstanding back-to-back recruiting classes and brilliant coaching, but mainly because the Tulsa football team is close-knit, passionate group of individuals who believe they can win and more importantly believes in each other.
"Over the last year or so, our football team has bonded a great deal," Burgess said. "For instance, one night during the preseason practices there was a lot of lightning, so we couldn't practice. So a group of us came together and talked about certain issues and how to deal with them from a spiritual view. At first there was just a spiritual group and the more we came together, the quicker it spread throughout the team. It just flowed through the team and now the entire team atmosphere is that more positive.
"Although our success may start on the practice field, we have to come together toward the same goal to win. I think our football team is a whole lot closer than most football teams."
As a senior, Burgess does his best to serve as a role model for the younger players. Whether it's being involved in a spiritual bonding group or showing a newcomer the ropes on the defensive side of the ball, he tries to reinforce teammates to look at things in a positive way.
Growing up in Chandler, Okla., Burgess is one of four children of Harold Burgess and Sharon Burgess. But life for Burgess wasn't like that of your average American youngster. He is not only named after his father, but has a twin brother named Harland. Burgess said he was named after his father because he was born first, but said it was never an issue with him and his brother because his brother was "much bigger than I" and Harland Burgess always told his twin brother "they saved the best for last".
The Burgess brothers are not identical twins, but fraternal twins. Burgess, who is nicknamed "twin", while his brother is nicknamed "red", says growing up as a twin had both its advantages and disadvantages.
"When me or my brother would get in trouble, my mom would always send us to our room for punishment. Most kids would be by themselves, but we didn't mind because we always had each other to play with. That was definitely an advantage. But being a twin taught me respect because my brother and I were close and we always had to share. If we went to the swimming pool or to the arcade, my mom would give us $5 and we had to split it," Burgess said.
"Some of the disadvantages was my mom making us dress alike, but as we got older it wasn't so bad. We played on sports teams together growing up and in high school. Playing together really wasn't as bad on us as it was for my mom. If I had a good game, my brother would feel left out, but when we both excelled, it made her really happy," Burgess added.
Burgess credits his mother for the person he is today and the beliefs she's instilled in him. Although that may sound normal for most people to say, Burgess' mother is not your average mom.
His mother was recently ordained as a minister and works for the Iron Pillar Ministries, a non-denominational church in Chandler, Okla.
"My mom is the highlight of my life. She has always been there to lift me up and she's a very positive person. If I'm feeling down or if I need someone to turn to, I can always call on her. She pushes me to succeed," Burgess said.
This past January, Burgess was involved in an automobile accident. Although it turned out to be not as serious as first thought, the incident forever altered his life.
"When I had a car wreck this past January, I thought I was paralyzed, but the doctors told me I was paralyzed by shock. I had a lot of time to think while I was in the hospital. I prayed to the Lord and ask him if being paralyzed was my calling. But my mom prayed for me and told me this wasn't for me and I would walk again. Now, I don't take anything for granted and that incident has pushed me to believe I can do anything," Burgess said.
As the Golden Hurricane squares off today against 11th-ranked Fresno State in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams, Burgess, along with the rest of his teammates know the jobs they must do to stop the Bulldogs.
"I think our team has a true love for the game and believe in each other. When teams are not on the same page with each other, that creates skepticism among the players. But we're a better team because we are on one accord and are working toward the same goal," Burgess said.
As Burgess' football career winds down, he already has his post-college plans in order. This marketing major has his sights set on being a creative director for radio and television commercials. However, he believes the key to both life as a football player and in life overall comes a spiritual passion for the job at hand.
"If you can love what you do, then it's not a job because of the passion you have for it. I love playing football, so I don't consider it a job. Passion to me is everything. It motivates me and it drives me," Burgess said.
