Faith Academy quarterback signs to play football at Christian school
Faith Academy of Marble Falls senior quarterback Magnum Burcham signs his letter of intent to play football for Southwestern Assembly of God University on Feb. 20. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
MARBLE FALLS — It’s fitting that Faith Academy senior quarterback Magnum Burcham signed to play football for the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions, Flames head coach Randy Denton said.
“The one thing I thought about what Magnum went through to play this year was courage,” he said. “We know Magnum’s story. He had a knee injury he worked on in the offseason to come back. He had the courage to continue to battle throughout the season to come back.”
Burcham, who had two knee injuries while he played three years of varsity football, signed his letter of intent during a ceremony Feb. 20 at the academy.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pound quarterback said working through rehab helped him make a decision about college football.
“After I got hurt, I realized how much I missed it,” he said. “To get the opportunity to play at the next level has always been a dream. It’s a huge blessing and great opportunity for me.”
He grew up a member of Assembly of God, he said, and his father, Michael, had wanted him to consider attending Southwestern Assemblies of God, located in Waxahachie, long before Burcham became a Flame. His mother is Amy Burcham.
Two years ago, the player participated in an open tryout designed for seniors. SAGU’s offensive coordinator, Frank Tristan, liked what he saw and began recruiting the quarterback. Now, Tristan is the head coach.
Denton said Burcham was equally valuable on the defensive side as a linebacker. He noted that, many times, Burcham walked to the sideline during a change of possession and was told to turn around and take the field.
Faith utilizes the university model of education in which high school students attend classes Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and tutorials Tuesdays and Thursdays. Burcham said he believes that model as well as Faith’s spiritual aspects will serve him well in college.
“I leaned on God more through injuries to become a better leader,” the quarterback said. “Faith has helped me grow.”
Denton commended the athlete for his accomplishments.
“To have the courage to go through the rehab again, it’s not fun,” he said. “I don’t know that I’d have the courage to do it.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com