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Kids On The Move: Dave Burke

08/27/2008 - By by Tobi Tesoriero

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THE GLASS IS ALWAYS HALF FULL

Recent Holmdel High School graduate Dave Burke was honored this past year as one of the recipients of the Unsung Hero Award. This award is given by the Shore Conference Chapter of the New Jersey Football Officials Association in recognition of individuals who have overcome an obstacle in their life.
 
Dave’s obstacle is his left arm. He was diagnosed with a condition called Brachial Plexus Palsy, a nerve-related condition caused by an injury at birth. According to webmd.com: “Brachial plexus palsy, also known as Erb’s palsy, is a paralysis or weakness of the arm caused by an injury to one or more nerves that control and supply the muscles of the shoulder and upper extremities (the upper brachial plexus). It is more commonly seen in newborns (neonates) and is often the result of a difficult delivery.”
 
As a result of this malady, Dave’s arm had limited strength and movement, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks; even something as simple as tucking in his shirt was troublesome for Dave. Rather than letting this condition define and restrict him, Dave attempted to go beyond his limitations and succeeded. As a young boy he began participating in many sports; he played soccer, basketball, and baseball. But despite his prowess and strong athletic ability, Dave wanted more.
 
In 1997, when Dave was about 10 years old, he had surgery to help improve his arm and there was indeed marked improvement. After the surgery and a long recuperative period, Dave began experiencing more range of motion; however, having overcompensated for so long with his right arm, his left was still not as strong. He still works on that regularly – training and lifting weights. As a result, he has noticed better usage of his left arm.
 
Dave began playing football about 5 years ago. When asked what drew him to that sport he said, “[It’s] the contact. The other sports I played, I guess all except basketball, did not offer the contact of football.” In addition to football and basketball, Dave enjoys boating, hiking, and camping activities, all of which he partook in on a recent trip to Michigan.
 
Dave will continue playing football this fall, at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, New York. He is not only a motivated and dedicated athlete, he also is taking his studies seriously. He took college courses this past summer at Brookdale Community College in anticipation of life as a student athlete, which brings with it a requisite demand of time. Right now Dave is undecided as to what his major will be. He’s interested in business studies as well as ships’ engines, but feels he’ll “figure out” his major once he gets his college career underway.
 
When asked if he could sum up a profile of himself, he shared some very moving sentiments, showing the depth of his character and his can-do attitude. He feels that adversity has made him stronger and has served as an inspiration. He said, “I don’t like to dwell on my arm. I don’t want to seem like I am using it as an excuse to not be able to do something.”
 
He continued to share that at one of the places where he works out, “…a guy there, Joe McCall, said my adversity has made me better. I agree with that. If I did not have this injury I would not be as hard working as I am now.”
 
Dave never complains about his arm or the limitations he’s dealt with, and he always has made sure to keep his coach informed as to his condition. His positive outlook illustrates the mindset, philosophy, and optimistic life attitude of Dave Burke, who constantly exhibits great modesty and focus.
 
STATS
 
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
Copper Canyon in Atlantic Highlands
 
FAVORITE MUSIC
I like a little of bit everything
 
FAVORITE MOVIE
300
 
PET PEEVE
complaining
 
THREE PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
George Washington, Ray Lewis, and Mohammed Ali  

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