Senior Spotlight: David Burgess is veteran voice for Northland Lutheran boys hoops
KRONENWETTER - David Burgess is the lone senior on the Northland Lutheran boys basketball team and has embraced that leadership role.
"It means a lot to, one, not only to be chosen as a (team) captain, but just the role you play as the team looks up to you as being a senior and having that (varsity) experience," Burgess said during a team practice earlier this week.
The 6-foot-4 veteran post, who has played varsity since his freshman year, has averaged 13.6 points and 9.4 rebounds for the Wildcats, who entered Thursday with a 7-11 record overall in their first winter as a member of the Central Wisconsin Conference-North Division. Northland Lutheran moved from the Marawood Conference-South Division and Burgess had not been part of a team that had won a conference game during his prep basketball career until this season.
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Burgess had more than 70 goals in his prep soccer career and holds the Northland Lutheran boys track record in the high jump (6 feet, 1 inch) and the triple jump (43-10.5). He reached the WIAA state track and field meet last June and finished fifth in the Division 3 boys triple jump competition.
Burgess recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the basketball season, his top athletic memories and outside interests, among other topics.
What has been a highlight sports moment for you during your career?
One of the biggest ones would be this past year for soccer. We had a successful season in general, but we had our first regional win. Being that it was my final year (with the program) it just meant that much more to me.
Is there a moment which you might like to forget?
The loss we had for soccer in last year's regionals. We had (the win) until the last couple of minutes. There were a couple controversial calls and we just lost it in the last five minutes. That was tough for me and tough for the team.
What was your experience at state track like last year?
Being at state is just amazing with all of the fans there. Even if (the crowd) is not cheering specificially for you, the atmosphere is incredible.
How has your role and the team evolved from last season?
This year has been by far my best year and the best for the team. With the coaching and the team that we have here, things have just finally clicked. We are working tremendously as a team. Before this year I have never had a conference win in basketball. Sure, we changed conference this year and switched things up a little bit. Now we've already got six conference wins this year and the statistics show that we are playing as a team.
Your coach said that over the past three games or so you have averaged around 20 rebounds a game. What has been the biggest thing for you with rebounding?
It takes a mentality. It definitely helps being one of the tallest guys out there but the mentality of, "I'm going up and getting the ball" and fighting for it, that what it takes. It's not necessarily just the height or the size (of the player) but just being willing to put yourself on the line for the team.
Away from school and sports, is there something that people might not know about you?
People might already know but i'm big into voice and piano. I take private voice lessons at the Wausau Conservatory of Music and play piano on my own time.
Are you a superstitious player or have any pregame routines?
Not really. We have our (team) handshakes and normal kind of stuff. The one thing I do is I always roll my socks over. It's something I have always done.
Where would a dream vacation be for you?
Myself and one of my friends from the soccer team have always talked about going to Barcelona to watch FC Barcelona play.
What is your postgraduation plan?
Right now I am committed to Carroll University in Waukesha and it won't be official until the tryouts but I have been told I fit in well with the soccer team.
FAVORITES
Sport: Soccer.
Pro or college athlete: Lionel Messi and (former Wisconsin athlete) Chris Mueller who has moved on to professional soccer (with Orlando City SC).
Movie: "The Blind Side."
TV show: "Friends."
Music group or artist: Michael Buble.