BURNS – Fall back for a minute to 2015. The student population at Burns High School dropped to a level where the Hilanders fell out of the 3A ranks down to 2A. Competing at the 2A level, the football team was knocked out in the state quarterfinals and the volleyball team grabbed a state title.
A good year by any standards, but the long time rivalries with Vale, Nyssa and Umatilla were missing.
Fast forward to this fall season of sports. Back in the 3A ranks, the Hilanders have dominated across the board. The football team claimed a district title with a win over Vale. The volleyball team downed Vale in the district tournament and were crowned champions. To put the icing on the cake, both the boys and girls cross country squads are heading to the state meet as the district’s best teams.
Four teams, four titles-fans cannot ask for much more.
For teams in 4A and below, championships are mostly few and far between. A special one or two classes coming up excite a coach and the fans for a possible district title. That one or two classes may only come along every five or ten years.
For the Hilanders to dominate in such a variety of sports this fall is special. Certain schools have become known for one team or another exclusively. Riverside soccer is special. Union cross country is special.
It is unusual for one school to have such a cross section of athletes to grab district titles and accomplish that goal in one season.
Burns has something special going on this year. Congratulations go to the athletes, the coaches and the fans. In all the sports, good luck at state.
