Alfred State College

Burns was one of the top wrestlers on the Pioneers 1977-1978 teams that finished in the top 20 in the nation. He earned NJCAA All-American honors both years he was at Alfred State.

In 1977, Burns and the Pioneers finished 19^th out of 116 teams at the National Championships. He won the 190 lb. Region III championship and earned All-American honors at Nationals following a 4^th place finish.  During the 1977 season, Burns was selected and became the first Alfred State athlete to compete in the Junior Pan American Games. He won a silver medal in the 220 lb. competition.

The 1978 team won the Region III Championship and finished 19^th out of 107 teams at the National Championships. Burns earned All-American honors again and was named co-most valuable player along with teammate and Alfred State hall of famer Mike Fuller.