BARRINGTON, R.I. (WPRI) — This week’s Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses Hometown Sports Hero is David Bourk.

The Woonsocket native has been the head Soccer Coach at St. Andrew’s School for the last 26 seasons, earning 222 career with four NEPSAC Championships in the last nine seasons.

“Coach Bourk, he’s a very calm guy but he brings a certain level of intensity that you have to bring everyday, ” said Saints Captain Chris Bianco. “He’s jsut a winner. He likes to win and he really unlocks everyone’s full potential.”

“It’s been quite the journey, there have been so many things that have changed over time but so many things that have stayed consistent. I don’t know, working with the boys is something from beginning to now has been one of those things that energizes you. You know as much as you expend as far as energy goes, it’s been a great ride in that regard.”

Bourk is also a teacher at the school, allowing his players to see both of his sides. A Championship would be his 10 ^th for the Saints.

“He’s always there every time, last year I remember I had a tough stretch and he just came and to talk to me, and he spent likes hours talking to me, helping me be a better person and be a better player,” said Saints Captain Kaden Gagnon Salama. “He’s amazing, great guy.”

The Saints are off to an 8-1-2 start this season, as they look to chase a 5th NESPAC Title for Coach Bourk. A Championship would be his 10th for the Saints, added to the five SENE crowns they earned before they moved up. But title celebrations are not what brings him the most pride, when he looks back on his career.

“I don’t know which team to be more proud of. What I’m most proud of? I don’t know, but I guess just the continuance of seeing the boys as they continue to grow, even beyond here, what they do beyond this pitch,” Bourk said. “What they take with them. Years later when they come back for Homecoming or when they drop by in the Summer just for a visit, and you see them doing well. That they took something with them long after they’ve hung up the boots so to speak.”

If you have a Hometown Sports Hero you’d like to nominate, email sports@wpri.com.

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