Houghton University Athletics

Coach E. Douglas Burke arrived at Houghton College in 1958 after completing his Master’s of Education at Syracuse University and teaching and coaching for four years at Chazy Central School in Chazy, N.Y. During his extended tenure, Burke served as a professor of physical education, teaching most of the skill classes and numerous lecture courses. Burke also served as Director of Athletics for nine years, and was instrumental in establishing the Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, a group of staff and students which meets to discuss athletic policy.

In 1967, Burke helped to initiate the establishment of the men’s soccer program. As head coach from the team’s inception until 1994, Burke’s final career record was 289-139-49. He led his teams to 13 seasons in the District playoffs, eight seasons in the Area playoffs, three NAIA national tournament appearances, and three National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) titles. Burke is hailed in the NCCAA and NAIA for his coaching longevity and his dedication to sportsmanship and ethics.

Aside from his impressive coaching accomplishments, Burke was active with the NAIA Soccer Coaches Association, serving as the organization’s president from 1982-83. In 1990, Burke was inducted into the NAIA Soccer Hall of Fame. In 1999, Houghton College dedicated its soccer field in the newly-renovated Alumni Athletic Complex to Coach Burke and his wife, Esther. Burke has continued to stay active at Houghton, leading a senior citizens workout group that meets in the mornings at the Nielsen Physical Education Center.