Friday Features: DSU's Burney Seeks Navy Officer Role
By Chris Megginson
Delta State University outfielder
Juwan Burney has chosen to forego his redshirt senior season in order to accept the call he’s waited his whole life for. No, it’s not the MLB Draft, but that of the United States Navy.
Burney, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s in business management, will conclude his baseball career at the end of this season to enlist in the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS). He will ship out to Rhode Island in July to become a supply officer, a logistics position to support the commanding officer – the beginning of what he hopes becomes a 25-30 year Naval career with the goal of one day making admiral.
“It’s been engrained in my mind ever since I was a kid. I grew up playing sports for Navy people. I always wanted to serve and fortunately I’m lucky enough to do it at a high level,” Burney said.
The call came after a one-run, extra-inning loss on the road at Mississippi Valley State last month.
“It was an emotional day. We’d just lost, and I was upset about that, but once I got that call, I was grinning from ear to ear and had to hide it from my teammates. I called my mom immediately and she was crying. She was so happy,” he said.
Burney grew up in the Navy. Both of his parents served, including a 20- year career by his mother, Nancy. His brother, Jordan, is currently stationed in Naples, Italy. He first considered enlisting after high school, but after helping lead Arlington High School to the 2012 Tennessee state championship and setting records for highest batting average (.534) and total hits in a season (62), Burney was named the 2014 District Player of the Year and received a scholarship offer to Delta State.
He redshirted his freshman season at DSU, but has been part of a 121-37 Statesmen record the last three seasons, including a 36-7 mark this season and DSU’s second-straight regular season Gulf South Conference title. He has also helped DSU to a GSC Tournament title in 2016 as well as GSC season and tourney title, NCAA Division II South Region title and World Series appearance in 2017.
This past summer, he was able to begin talking with a Navy recruiter again and decided it was time to pursue his application to OCS even though he could return one more season for the Statesmen.
“I’m really excited. It’s going to be tough to stop playing baseball every day, but when I look back at it, I gave it my best shot,” Burney said. “I’m looking forward to this next step of doing the Navy and trying to lead our country to where it needs to go. I know I’m not going to be that big of a role, but I’m going to do my part where I’m needed and I’m just really excited to get working on it.”
His decision to cut his baseball career short came with support from the staff who recruited him and penciled him into the starting lineup the last three seasons.
“While I would enjoy having Juwan for his final year of athletic eligibility, and we will miss his talents on the field, I admire the commitment he is making to serve his country,” said Mike Kinnison, DSU baseball head coach. “He senses this is an opportunity to enhance his leadership skills and is excited about the opportunity for growth.”
In addition to baseball, Burney has had the opportunity to hone his skills as a leader by serving his team as a representative on the Delta State University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He was elected chair of the DSU SAAC, which led to an opportunity to be selected to the 27-member NCAA SAAC to represent Division II. He represented DSU and the Gulf South Conference twice at national meetings within the last year, being part of discussions on how to stop sexual violence and assault as well as discussing mental health. He and other NCAA SAAC members met with NCAA President Mark Emmert and the chairman of the President’s Council.
“I’ve always wanted to be a leader,” Burney said. “I was honored. I loved my time on National SAAC. I learned a lot. It challenged me every day I was there and working with those people … they heard our voice, and that is what really mattered, and not only my voice, but the whole conference’s voice.”
Kinnison said Burney has embraced his role.
“Juwan has a heart for others. He is courteous, cooperative and respectful. His selfless attitude and service are qualities that serve as examples to many of his teammates, fellow students, coaches and instructors,” Kinnison said.
“He has embraced the student-athlete concept and the service model. He has provided great leadership and encouraged and motivated our team and SAAC advisory group here on campus. His involvement at the various conference and national levels has allowed him to interact with other student-athletes and leadership groups. I feel it has been an enrichment opportunity for him and have been pleased to see the maturity he has demonstrated in his leadership position.”
While Burney’s career is winding down, he hopes another postseason run is at play for the Statesmen, who wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the GSC Tournament with a week to play.
“I’m going to miss baseball … Every year that I’ve played, I’ve won a championship, and when you work all off season and you work hard during season, through the ups and downs, at the end of the year when you say you’re a champion, it’s a great feeling. The goal in life is to be successful and baseball and my coaches have taught me that through the ups and downs, you just have to keep working hard and you’ll make it.”
Burney will enter his Senior Day weekend with 100 career hits, 50 RBIs, 81 runs scored and a .316 career average. He has collected more than 170 total bases during his three seasons and holds a .938 career fielding percentage.
Delta State is set to host the GSC Championship, May 5-8, in Cleveland, Mississippi.
Follow Megginson on Twitter @jcmeggs. Email comments to megginsonjc@gmail.com.
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2017-18 Friday Features Archive
September 1 |
Mississippi College
September 8 |
Montevallo
September 15 |
Valdosta State
September 22 |
West Georgia
September 29 |
Alabama Huntsville
October 6 |
Union
October 13 |
West Alabama
October 20 |
West Florida
October 27 |
Delta State
November 3 |
Christian Brothers
November 10 |
Shorter
November 17 |
North Alabama
November 24 |
Lee
December 1 |
AUM
December 8 |
West Florida
Decemeber 15 |
Mississippi College
December 22 |
Lee
December 29 |
West Alabama
January 5 |
Valdosta State
January 12 |
Christian Brothers
January 19 |
Montevallo
January 26 |
AUM
February 2 |
Mississippi College
February 9 |
West Florida
February 16 |
North Alabama
February 23 |
Alabama Huntsville
March 2 |
Broadcasters
March 9 |
Delta State
March 16 |
Alabama Huntsville
March 23 |
Lee
March 30 |
West Alabama
April 6 |
Montevallo
April 13 |
Valdosta State
April 20 |
Shorter