David Shutts

Sophomore Will Burba returned from a triple injury that cut his football season short.

Sophomore quarterback Will Burba is coming back from a season-ending injury on the varsity football team. 

Despite being known as a “double threat” on the field for his ability to both run and throw with skill, a devastating triple injury cut Burba’s season short.

 Soon after he made the varsity team as a sophomore, Burba tore his medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in a pre-season scrimmage.

“It took a really big toll on me mentally, losing my entire season from one play, but I know it’s a part of the game and I’m just trying to get ready for next year,” Burba said.

Despite this major setback, Burba’s focus shifted to healing and preparing for the 2024 season where he is expected to be a key player in the varsity offense. In addition to playing quarterback, Burba has also been slated to play a starting role as a defensive back.

“One of the worst parts wasn’t just that I couldn’t play football,” he said. “I also missed out on all of my other sports until I was healed.”

Before Burba’s setback, he played three other sports in addition to football: tennis, track and basketball. His records in these three sports are also strong.

In tennis, Burba’s highest universal tennis rating was a 5.1. Universal tennis rating is a rating system used to score competitive tennis player on a numerical scale.

“For comparison, the average UTR in the Kinkaid tennis program is about a 4.0,” senior and varsity tennis player Hudson Holton said. Burba also ran the 800m and 400m races on the varsity track team.

“I don’t know him that well, but any time I talk to him or ask for help on anything, he always acts respectful,” said sophomore Jack Susman.

Burba’s teammate and classmate Kavin Mukerji said Burba is known for his resilience.

“He’s always working hard and committed to getting better every day as well as being a great friend to me,” sophomore Kavin Mukerji said.