When I first was offered the opportunity to become the Athletic Director at Notre Dame Academy. I remember sitting down (very overwhelmed) with our former Athletic Director, Jack Hoffstetter, as we went through every team, league, form, requirement, and detail of running a Sports Program as large as ours. In those meetings, Jack emphasized the importance of having committed coaches, who are organized and value sportsmanship as much as winning. One of those coaches is our Track Coach, Patrick Burke, a Notre Dame Academy Alumni - Class of 2008.
When Patrick 1st started coaching track for Notre Dame Academy, it was only him coaching. He would have some help occasionally from his brother Ben, but to be able to coach and organize 60-70 kids at practices and meets, takes a truly special and a well organized person, who needs to have extreme patience.
Over the last few years I was fortunate to work with Patrick as our track team grew to over 90 kids. Patrick taught me how meets are organized, how scoring works, how to properly line up the kids, and that most importantly, the attitude and sportsmanship of our kids means more than anything.
This year when the SITA (Southtowns Invitational Track Association) disbanded, Patrick was my first phone call. He jumped right in to volunteer, and in working with a few other Track Coaches, we were able to have a Track Season and Championship. Had it not been for Patrick and these individuals, the Track League and Season as we know it would not have happened. A special Thank you to Anna Hartog (St. John Vianny) and Daniel Bryan from WNYCESAA for helping as well.
I will never forget last year at the Championship Meet, when the Nativity Coach asked Patrick “When is your child graduating?” Patrick said to her “Excuse me? I don't have any children.” She said “Wait, so you’re telling me, you just do this for fun?” Shocked, and in disbelief, Patrick said “Yes.” She was astonished that someone would be willing to coach a team of over 90 kids “Just for the fun of it,” without having any children or family members on the team, but that is the type of person that Patrick is.
In his 10th year of Coaching Track for Notre Dame Academy, coming off of the schools 1st ever SITA Championship, and back to back WNY Diocesan Track Championships, it felt like the perfect time to honor Patrick with Notre Dame Academy’s Coach of the Year Award.
Coach Pat, as the kids know him, is an extremely hard working individual. After a day of working for the City of Buffalo, and in between working at the Bistro, Charlies Boatyard, or the Knights of Columbus he is running to track practices, helping to organize upcoming track meets, or at a meeting for the new track league.
I am fortunate to call Patrick my cousin, and am beyond thankful for all that he has done for myself, Notre Dame Academy, and our Track Program. Watching all of his hard work, dedication, and organization pay off these last few years, and being able to watch our students celebrate multiple Championships has been amazing!. I think it is safe to say, Notre Dame Academy is the best track program in WNY thanks to you, and years and years of hard work.
On behalf of Notre Dame Academy, and the Sports Committee, we are proud to welcome “Coach Pat,” to the stage to receive your 2025 Notre Dame Academy Coach of the Year Award.