In the 2023 football season, the COS Giants finished their season with a 6-5 record, including a victory in the Golden State Bowl against Sierra College. This was the third time the Giants won a Bowl game under Coach Travis Burkett.

So, who is Travis Burkett? Coach Burkett was hired as the head coach for the Giants during COVID, on March 29th, 2020.

Coach Burkett built an impressive resume that undoubtedly was the reason for his selection. Prior to COS, he spent three years coaching football at UNLV. (2016-2019) He oversaw the running backs and was the Special Teams Coordinator. During his time at UNLV, the football ranked 19th in the nation for rushing yards.

Before his run at UNLV, Burkett spent ten seasons at Cornell University in New York. Which is part of the NCAA Division 1 league. During his ten-year run at Cornell, Coach Burkett was the assistant head coach for four seasons and oversaw the running backs, secondary positions, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive ends.

Also, Coach Burkett was a graduate assistant coach for Bucknell University, while earning his Masters’ of Science Degree in Education.

He also had the opportunity to coach for his alma mater, San Luis Obispo High School. (2003-2004) During his time at San Luis Obispo, the football team had an impressive 18-5 overall record.

In an April 2020 article by Nick Giannandrea, COS’ Athletic Director, Brent Davis stated; “He impressed everyone with his unbelievable passion for young people and his intellect” Burkett’s philosophy and game plan certainly influenced his past team’s success.

I asked Coach Burkett how he helps his young athletes deal with tough losses during the season. “We tell the truth,” Burkett says. “Did our performance reflect our way of football?” The team follows an 18-hour rule, whether they win or lose, to deal with their emotions from that game. After that, it is time to move on and focus on the next task.

While the team is in their spring training, Coach Burkett states that the team, “has a plan for every day.” To prepare for their July/August player evaluations, the team will be hitting the weight room and conditioning hard. These evaluations will help the coaches determine what each player will bring to the table, since each season brings in a new team, due to transferring students.

Coach Burkett’s approach to reaching his team makes him a great fit for these young student-athletes. Coach Burkett quoted Frank Beamer regarding his approach to the game, “there is a great lesson in balance.” Burkett states. “We must learn ‘how to grow in development.’”