Featured Athlete /// Brian and Sean Burns, Southern Boone


Story by: Bryan Hudnell Photography by: Alan Combs Photography


   year’s Missouri state cross country championships. On what was a rainy and muddy day at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, the two brothers made their mark for the Class 3 Eagles. “The race itself was super sloppy and muddy, so I knew it wouldn’t be a fast time,” Brian said. “But I felt really strong and executed my race plan to a T.” “I felt like I went in with something to prove because I was ranked ninth,” Sean said. “Once the race got going, I knew I just needed to stick to my race plan and go hard with 1,000 meters to go, and that’s what I did.”


Brian is a junior at Southern Boone while Sean is a freshman. If the name Burns sounds familiar, that’s because Brian and Sean’s brother, Connor, was a two-time state champion himself at South- ern Boone. Connor is currently running at the University of Oregon, one of the most prestigious running programs in the country.  how hard he worked for it,” Brian said. “But motivation has to come from within. No one can make you put in the work to be your best.” 


34 /// January 2025


The Burns legacy doesn’t stop there. Their younger brother Cris,  their footsteps.


Beyond family legacy, both Brian and Sean credit their school and community for their success. The cheers of teammates, coaches, and teachers at state were a testament to the strong support sys- tem at Southern Boone High School. “It was great to have so many friends and Coach Tracy cheering me on, even in those horrible conditions,” Brian said. “Some of my teachers always ask me about my season and con- gratulate me on my races, which means a lot,” Sean said. There was a lot for the Southern Boone running community to support with the Burns brothers leading the way. The two Eagles siblings agree that this season was about more than just the state


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