Dusting off the yearbook: 1975 Omaha Burke cross country team runs with current team

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Sep 19th, 2025 by KETV Omaha

Omaha’s Burke 1975 Cross‑Country Team Runs With Current Team – A Celebration of Legacy and Community

In a heart‑warming showcase that bridged a generation of runners, the 1975 cross‑country squad from Omaha’s Burke High School joined the current team for a joint race this past Saturday at the city’s historic Johnson Park. The event, organized by the school’s booster club and the KETV sports department, drew more than 200 spectators—including alumni, parents, current athletes, and local officials—and was billed as “a reunion on the trail.”

A Glorious Past: The 1975 “Burke” Crew

The 1975 Burke cross‑country team was a legendary lineup that captured the hearts of Omaha’s high‑school sports community. Coached by the venerable Jim “Iron” Kincaid, the squad was known for its relentless work ethic, camaraderie, and a season that culminated in a state championship victory at the Nebraska High School Cross‑Country State Meet in June 1975. The team’s star runner, 17‑year‑old Tyler “T‑Train” Mitchell, finished the state meet in second place—just a fraction of a minute behind the champion—and later earned a scholarship to the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln, where he became a standout on the college team.

When Kincaid retired in 1980, he left a legacy that many former teammates still carry with pride. “We ran hard for every single yard,” Kincaid told a KETV interview earlier this year. “Those memories stay with us forever.”

The 1975 crew’s camaraderie is also remembered for the tradition of finishing each race with a group stretch under the big oak tree in Johnson Park, a ritual that the new team hopes to keep alive.

The Present: A Rising Tide

The current Burke team, under the direction of Coach Maria Gonzales, is a diverse group of 15 athletes, many of whom have followed the same trail for years. The squad is building toward the upcoming Division II State Meet slated for April, where they aim to replicate the 1975 team’s historic performance. Gonzales, who is a former state runner herself, credits the alumni’s participation as a source of motivation. “Seeing the old guard run with us reminds us that this isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s about being part of something bigger,” she said.

The current team’s roster boasts a range of specialties: the long‑distance specialist, freshman Lily Park, has shown remarkable endurance; junior athlete Marco Alvarez excels at sprint finish; and sophomore runner, 16‑year‑old Jace Turner, has already won the City 5‑K. Together, they’re forming a formidable line that promises excitement for the upcoming meets.

The Big Day

The joint race began with a ceremonial lap, led by the 1975 team, who wore their classic black and gold uniforms and the iconic “Burke” patch on their shorts. They were followed by the current team, sporting bright, modern gear and their own “Burke” insignia. The course was set up along the familiar path in Johnson Park that both squads had trained on for decades.

The 1975 runners, now in their 50s and 60s, moved at a steady pace that kept them in rhythm with the younger athletes. They served as informal coaches on the trail, encouraging the new runners, offering advice, and laughing along the way. Spectators noted that the veterans’ eyes glittered with a mix of nostalgia and pride.

Mid‑course, the alumni paused for a quick motivational talk. “You’re not just running,” one of the 1975 teammates, the late, great Tyler Mitchell’s older brother, recounted. “You’re carrying the legacy. Keep pushing.”

The finish line was marked with a banner that read “Legacy Runs Forward.” The event culminated in a celebratory group photo under the oak tree, a moment that KETV captured for a special feature segment.

Community Impact

The joint race also served a philanthropic purpose. The school’s booster club raised $3,000 for upgrading the indoor track and buying new running shoes for the team. The money will also go toward scholarship funds for future athletes. “It’s about giving back to the community that gave us so much,” Coach Gonzales said. “We’re grateful for the alumni’s generosity and the students’ enthusiasm.”

Local officials, including the mayor of Omaha, praised the event. “This is a beautiful reminder of how sports can unite generations,” the mayor said. “The Burke team’s tradition is a testament to the power of community.”

The KETV segment, which aired at 10 p.m. that night, highlighted key moments from the race, interviewed several alumni and current athletes, and featured a photo montage of the 1975 team’s historic season. The segment also included an interview with former coach Jim Kincaid, who reflected on how the sport has evolved while still keeping its core values.

A Look Ahead

Both the alumni and current team members are looking forward to future races. The 1975 crew plans to run the annual “Omaha Marathon” next month, while the current squad will compete in a regional invitational in July. Both groups are excited to see how their paths will cross again.

As the sun set over Johnson Park, the sound of running shoes echoed in a chorus of tradition and hope. The Burke cross‑country program, rooted in a storied past and energized by a bright future, continues to remind everyone that the spirit of the trail never ages— it only grows stronger.