TEXARKANA MONTHLY
“THE GROVE IS A FAMILY. THAT IS WHAT SETS US APART FROM A LOT OF SCHOOLS.” And that family has been extremely successful, winning two University Interscholastic League (UIL) Texas State Football Championships in the past three years. This year, the Hawks are state ranked and well on their way to making a fourth consecutive trip to AT&T Stadium for the UIL State Title game. This season of so much promise and historical significance started with devastating news; Marcus Burris, the four-star defensive tackle and Texas A&M commit, would not play because of an Achilles tendon injury. “Heart breaking! I told him that I was so proud of all the hard work he put in over the summer preparing to make his senior year his best. I also told Marcus that God is always in control and something good will come from it.” That was the reaction and words of Marcus’ mother, Shirley Burris, to Marcus when they found out the news. “I’ll never forget that day in the doctor’s office with Marcus and some of the PG coaches. To hear that Marcus’ season was over was very difficult to hear. Pleasant Grove Head Coach and Athletic Director Josh Gibson, of course, cried and prayed along with Marcus and the rest of us. Even the doctor had tears in his eyes.” “My family has been a huge part in this. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. My mom and dad make sure I stay happy, and I’m extremely lucky to have them and the rest of my family by my side,” Marcus said. Family has always been a big part of Marcus’ life and he has always looked to make them proud. “I want to give back to my family. They have done so much and sacrificed so much for me, so I feel it is my duty to make them proud. Also, my coaches have done a great job being great role models and I want to make them proud as well.”
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