Tulsa coach hopes to set example by making sacrifice

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

For more than 35 years, they were inseparable.

They were together during funerals and weddings, lunches and homework, dates and nights in front of the television.

But last February, finally realizing there can be too much of a good thing, Tulsa football coach Keith Burns decided a trial separation was needed.

"Man, that was something that was tough to do," said Burns. "I mean, I really love Dr. Pepper."

Burns had his first sip of Dr. Pepper when he was 6. By the beginning of this year, the 41-year-old Burns was up to 10 to 12 cans of Dr. Pepper each day.

"If you grew up in Texas, you're pretty much a Dr. Pepper fan," said Burns, whose team plays host to Hawai'i Saturday.

"As coaches, we're in the office very early and we often go home late at night. I don't drink coffee. Dr. Pepper was my way to get a little burst. I've always enjoyed the taste."

But eight months ago, his son K.C. reluctantly mentioned that Burns' face looked puffy during a television interview.

"It took a lot for him to say that because he looks up to me," Burns said. "I thought I'd never get into a situation where he feels that way again."

Burns quit Dr. Pepper cold turkey. He then canceled his standing reservations at Ron's Hamburger Stand, where even the aroma of the double cheeseburgers can elevate cholesterol levels.

He started to run 3-5 miles every day. Sometimes he ran alone. Sometimes he was accompanied by defensive coordinator Jeff McInerney, who rode a bicycle, the two resembling a scene from one of the "Rocky" movies. He also managed to run during road trips.

Yesterday was the 247th consecutive day Burns ran. Last week, he started running at 11:40 p.m. His son Tanner suggested he start his 30-minute run at 11:45 p.m. to cover two days with one session.

But Burns said: "I started this because I wanted to feel better. But as coaches, we ask a lot of our players. I wanted to make a sacrifice myself."

Burns said he does not believe in short cuts, an approach he learned growing up in a family that encouraged "an enthusiastic attitude."

When Burns was a senior at the University of Arkansas, his father died.

"I think that really put things in perspective, to me, how precious every day is," Burns said. "You have to get up and make the most every day you have. We're not guaranteed anything."

Once, Burns joined a post-game tailgate party. He also has found a way to attend his sons' sporting events. Burns will not end a practice without making peace with a player he has scolded.

"I'm a lively guy," said Burns, who has served as motivation for a 1-4 team that could use any sort of inspiration.

"I think everybody has to understand when you wake up, you have a great opportunity to make a difference," he said. "So many of us complain about what we don't have. Sometimes we often wish our lives away hoping and thinking about other things. As a coach, I can influence somebody's life every day. That's certainly a duty I don't take lightly."

Burns has even reached a compromise concerning his favorite beverage.

"I'm not a Diet Dr. Pepper man," he said. "Now I'll limit myself to two (cans of Dr. Pepper) a day, as opposed to going the diet route. Like I said, you have to enjoy life."