Patriots’ Burk decides to attend Stanford University
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

Freehold Township’s Maura Burk, one of the nation’s top high jumpers, will be doing her jumping for Stanford University, California, one of the nation’s best track and field programs.

Burk signed her Letter of Intent to Stanford last week.

"It was a rough decision," said Burk, who has been heavily recruited by colleges from all over the country. "It’s a relief signing early."

It was Burk’s visit to Palo Alto, Calif., over the Halloween weekend that sold her on the university.

"It felt right when I visited there," she said. "I liked the coaches, and the girls I met on the team were very nice.

"There are certain factors at Stanford that no one can deny," she added. "It’s an opportunity to live in a different part of the country."

Athletically, Stanford offers both opportunity and challenge for Burk, who will become part of a world-class program. It is where she will be able to fulfill her potential.

"I’d like to see how good I can be," she said.

Athletics only played a small part in Burk’s decision. She remarked that there is life beyond high jumping and that the educational opportunities and campus life in Palo Alto are a perfect mix. She’ll be getting the best of both worlds, academically and athletically.

Burk, who has a personal best of 5-10, will be chasing the state record again this spring. She has cleared 5-10 the last two years, fueling speculation that the state record, 5-11, held by Randolph’s Tatiana Smolyn since 1983, is in serious jeopardy.

When the outdoor season rolls around, Burk will be the odds-on favorite to win her first NJSIAA Meet of Champions crown. She vied with Freehold Borough’s graduated Debra Vento for top honors the last two years with Vento winning the MOC crown each year. In 2002, both set the meet record, 5-10, with Vento winning on fewer misses.

Burk has twice won the Group IV state title as well as two Monmouth County and two Central Jersey Group IV crowns. Last year’s 5-10 jump tied her for eighth best in the country.

Having signed with Stanford will not encourage Burk to compete in indoor track. She will still play basketball this winter, like she has every year at Freehold Township. In the fall she plays soccer. She was the captain of this year’s soccer team.

"I like all three sports," Burk said. "It keeps me from getting burned out.

"I still like playing soccer and basketball," she added. "People think I’m crazy for doing all three, but I absolutely love it."