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Leo was a 2-year varsity football letterman (1968-69) and started both ways his senior year at defensive end and offensive tackle. In Latin’s 1969 season opener against Akron St. Vincent, the Plain Dealer heralded his outstanding performance by writing: “The Cathedral Latin defense, led by co-captain and middle linebacker Kevin McGrath and defensive end Leo Burby, led the Lions to a 6-0 victory over Akron St. Vincent at St. Edwards Field last night.” Leo also had two fumble recoveries in this contest and was a huge factor in limiting St. Vincent to 70-yards total offense. Leo was the recipient of the Plain Dealer Dream Team Award (Honorable Mention for his outstanding play vs. Steubenville Central Catholic in 1969). He also earned All Crown
Conference Defensive End along with senior defensive back Joe Blaszak ’70 and senior linebacker Kevin McGrath ’70. These players were the only three Lions so honored in the toughest conference in northern Ohio. While on the football field, Leo played his best against the best. In Latin’s second game (September 12, 1969) vs. St. Ignatius, starting Latin linebacker Ray Andrews was across from a first-team all-state offensive tackle. Ray asked Leo in the first quarter, “Leo, can you slide over and take on this beast? He’s killing me!” Leo responded “Sure”. The result was Leo had a great game with 14 tackles – several for a loss – but Latin lost a heartbreaker in the last few seconds by a score of 8-12. Leo was a member of Latin’s Student Council and Dress Code Review Board member. He lettered on the Freshman and JV basketball teams and played intramural sports all four years. During Leo’s four years at Latin, tensions in the school neighborhood in general were high. Anyone who knew Leo recognized his highly protective nature of what he loved: family, friends and Latin. Leo protected the school and underclassmen from harm several times. He would say to the bullies, “If you want to pick on somebody, try me.” No one was foolish enough to accept his challenge. After graduation, Leo was awarded a full Division I NCAA Football Athletic Scholarship to Xavier University. While there he was a 3-year starting defensive end. He was the only Freshman singled out for his outstanding game play. Leo’s senior year final game performance culminated in the team’s victory vs. The University of Toledo and achievement of a 5-5-1 overall record. Leo sacked the Toledo quarterback on two consecutive plays as time ran out on their final drive, ensuring the victory for Xavier. Head Coach Tom Cecchini’s comments on Leo’s Leo Burby, Jr. ’70 performance included: “Exceptional” and “Leo has a heart bigger than his voice or his body - no one works harder on execution.” Burby stood at 6’4” and weighed 210 lbs. In August 1971, Leo along with Xavier teammates Bob Powell (Cleveland Central Catholic ’70) and Mike Price (Lakewood St. Edward ’70) took their turns taking on Victor the Wrestling Bear right before the start of the season. Victor took on all comers as part of a promotional event held at the Schott Buick Dealership on Montgomery Road in Cincinnati. Victor was a formidable opponent - 7’ tall and 600 lbs. at the time – and an undefeated wrestler. (Anyone could try to pin Victor if they signed the waiver of liability paperwork.) But to no avail as none of them lasted more than a few minutes before Victor pinned them. Leo’s teammates who were there still talk about it to this day as one of the gutsiest and most entertaining sports competitions they have ever seen in their lives. Leo graduated from Xavier in June 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In July 1975, he lived in Akron, Ohio. One day he and his friends went to a local lake to go swimming. Leo dove into the water, not noticing a submerged rock. This caused him to break his neck and completely paralyzed him. He sank to the bottom holding his breath. His friends saw the accident and dove to the lake bottom, found him and brought him to shore. A series of surgeries to restore his limb movement were not successful. Over the next several months Leo’s physical condition deteriorated and his weight dropped considerably. He died from a heart attack 13 months after the accident on August 26, 1976. He left behind his parents Leo, Sr. and Elizabeth and his siblings Camilla, Paula, Brian ’71 and Dennis. On November 22, 1996, during Xavier’s Homecoming Weekend, President James E. Hoff, S.J., presented Leo with a posthumous Presidential Citation. Father Hoff made this significant award to Leo on the request of his coaches, teammates and fellow Xavier alumni. The award was made 20-years after Leo’s death and reads as follows: In memory of his outstanding achievements in football, his strength of character and rare courage, his unyielding loyalty, intensity and faith. We celebrate his exuberant spirit, lion heart and passion for life.
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