By Andrew J. Barnes ’12
THE ROUNDUP
Ever since he was in fourth grade, varsity basketball assistant coach Mr. John Burns has loved being around the game of basketball.
“Coaching was always something I wanted to do,” Mr. Burns said.
This is Mr. Burns’ fourth year at Brophy and 21st year as a teacher and coach. He previously coached at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, Wis. and at his alma mater, Joliet High School in Illinois.
“Mr. Burns always puts being a good person in front of being a good coach or teacher,” said varsity basketball player Jordan Medl ’12.
Along with coaching, Mr. Burns currently teaches U.S. History for juniors and U.S. Government for seniors.
“There’s always going to be that challenge of balancing time between coaching and teaching,” Mr. Burns said. “But I’m also a father and a husband, and that’s where having a very supportive family comes in.”
Medl said he has great respect for Mr. Burns as a family man.
“When I have a family, I want to have the same care and genuine love for my family as he has with his,” Medl said.
As an assistant coach, Mr. Burns said his main duties are to pay attention to work ethic and critique the players’ development.
Mr. Burns said he loves watching the team grow and getting the team to accomplish what they are capable of doing.
“I don’t know what people expected following the state championship game last year, but so far we’re competitive and we’re in every ball game and that’s all we can ask,” Mr. Burns said.
Throughout the remainder of the season, Medl said he knows he has some great coaches to guide the team, especially Mr. Burns.
“Regardless of the task at hand, he tries to be a role model,” Medl said.
