Athlete of the Week

Justin Burton, JE '04 Soccer forward Hometown: Somerset, N.J. Favorite Candy: Three Musketeers Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption Favorite Pro Team: NY/NJ Metrostars Favorite Player: Clint Mathis (a fellow forward) Pregame Ritual: Burton listens to the same CD before every game; a homemade rap mix with mostly DMX and Limp Bizkit.

A native of Somerset, N.J., Burton began his soccer career in a local recreation league at the age of five. Burton says that his hometown "had a good [soccer] program," and gave him a chance to develop his athletic skills. The league offered Justin the opportunity to play, and his older brother gave him the drive. "I wanted to follow in his footsteps."

But Burton did more than just that. By the time he graduated from Timothy Christian School, the forward had scored over 100 goals for his high school team. He was voted team MVP sophomore, junior, and senior years, and was voted All-State senior year. His other accomplishments include playing for the New Jersey State Olympic Development Program and 2000 Region 1 teams. Justin's impressive skills were enough not only to make his brother proud, but also to land a spot on the Bulldog soccer team.

Fast-forward to the men's 2000 soccer season, during which Burton has had a chance to show his talent and overall dedication to the game. Last weekend's game was a fitting way to end the season. "It was nice to come out in the last game," he said. And come out he did; Burton's hat trick, the Ivy League's first of the year, led the Bulldogs to victory and garned him Ivy League Rookie of Week honors. For all that, Burton says that the best part of the game was feeling comfortable on the field—a feeling due mostly to the "great chemistry" of the team.

Burton's skills go beyond the soccer field. He's not just keeping an eye on the ball, but on the larger picture as well. Burton is leaving his classroom options open for the moment, but says that, at this point, he plans to go into investment banking when he graduates. This class-A sweetheart says that he's been swamped with classes, playing soccer and adjusting to life at Yale. Yet for all that, he still finds time to read for fun, (currently Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork Orange), catch a little television, (especially the Simpsons), and hang out with friends. If you think that Burton sounds like Mr. Perfect with his great looks, genuinely sweet nature and amazing athletic talent, you're not alone. While Burton says that he's single (sigh), he does want to give a special shout-out to a special someone in Branford. After seeing his moves on and off the field, one can only hope that he doesn't break hearts as fast as he scores goals.

Photo by Katie Aldrich.

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