KS-Hawai`i LB Burke Signs With Menlo

Kamehameha-Hawai`i standout Timmy Burke took care of business on the football field. Now, he’ll be playing football at a school that specializes in it.

Burke signed his letter of intent Tuesday to play football at Menlo College, which calls itself “Silicon Valley’s Business School.” Menlo’s campus is located in Atherton, CA. The Oaks compete in the California Pacific Conference, a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Burke signed his commitment letter on campus in front of his family. He chose Menlo over at least eight other schools, including Willamette, Pacific Lutheran, Coe College, and Eastern New Mexico.

Scholarship money wasn’t the only factor for Burke to choose the Oaks. “Their program is rated top five in the west side of the country in the Princeton Review and U.S. News,” Burke proudly said after signing his LOI.

Burke led his team this season with 55 tackles out of the linebacker position and was named to the All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II First-Team at the position. He was named to the All-BIIF Division II First-Team as a defensive lineman in his sophomore and junior seasons.

Burke also moonlighted as a running back on offense. He accumulated 71 yards on 21 carries this season.

Burke gave credit to his faith and his coaches for allowing him to succeed on and off the field. He also noted the amount of off-season work he did to prepare for each upcoming year.

Burke was recruited by Mark Grieb, who went 5-5 in his first season at the helm of the Oaks last year. Grieb won three championships in the Arena Football League with the San Jose Sabercats. He won two Most Valuable Player awards and was the Maxwell Club Arena Football Player of the Year in 2004.

He will join Hilo High graduate Christian Daog at Menlo. The offensive lineman, who once kicked a 57-yard field goal in BIIF competition, recently completed his junior season with the Oaks.