David Burns starred in football and basketball for Napa High in 1978-79. Burns was a back on the 1978 Indian grid team that enjoyed a 6-3-1 season. He was the league-leading ground gainer and won All-MEL honors as an offensive player. He was also co-captain of the Napa team and its Most Valuable Player. He also gained All-MEL honors in basketball for his play on the 1978-79 Napa High team. He was a prolific scorer and strong rebounder, leading the MEL in scoring. His season featured twelve games in which he scored 20 or more points and three games in which he scored 31 points for the Blue and Gold. For his outstanding performances on the football field and basketball court, Burns was selected 1979 Athlete of the Year by KVON radio station. Long-time Napa High basketball coach Denny Lewis picked his all-time Napa High basketball team for the period 1974 to 1994, with Burns as a first team selection and with fellow 1999 HOF Member Greg Johnson. Together, they became the fifth and sixth members of Lewis’ elite 10 to be elected to the Napa High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Burns went on to receive an athletic scholarship to Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado.
