Burke O'Rourke '45

"Burkey" O'Rourke was a 5'5", 120-pound all- around natural athlete at St. Thomas. A nephew of Father T.P. O'Rourke and a graduate of All Saints School, he brought fire and enthusiasm to each team on which he played. A manager of the football team because he wanted to be involved, he played basketball, baseball, hockey and tennis.

He was an easygoing boy who excelled as a second baseman. He teamed with shortstop Gene Oser to form a dynamic double play combination for Father Wilson's teams. After graduation from St. Thomas, Burkey spent three years at St. Mary's Seminary. He later played basketball at St. Edward's University where he received a bachelor's degree. After college he played two years of professional baseball with the Austin Pioneers.

Burkey has been the Grand Marshall of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade of Houston and a diligent advocate of his high school. His endearment to his classmates is evidenced by his selection to present two former teammates into the inaugural class of the St. Thomas Sports Hall of Fame, and he has been a friend and mentor to many of the students and priests who followed him at the school.

He is an ambassador for St. Thomas and truly represents the values expressed on the school crest.