By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Charlie Burri, the first Athletic Director at Missouri Western State University, has died.
Burri, a St. Joseph native, agreed to lead Griffon athletics in 1967 as St. Joseph Junior College became Missouri Western State College, a four-year institution. Burri’s guidance during those early years earned him the unofficial title of “Godfather of Griffon Athletics.”
Burri also chaired the Physical Education Department and became the head basketball and golf coach. Burri was instrumental in building Spratt Memorial Stadium and the Looney Indoor Sports Complex. Burri formed the Gold Coat Club in 1970.
Burri won many honors over the years. He became the first inductee into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame after retiring in 1984. Burri is a member of the St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of College Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Burri graduated from Christian Brothers High School, the St. Joseph Junior College, and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.
Charlie Burri was 94.
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