Cliff Burnett Athletic Scholarship Fund

Van C. Burnett Jr., known as “Cliff Burnett” was born in Japan in 1950 while his father was stationed there. Cliff and his parents returned to the United States when Cliff was about 1 year of age. Cliff played football and basketball for Caldwell High School and in 1967 played he played forward on Caldwell’s state championship team. Cliff was selected to be a member of the Idaho Football Hall of fame. Cliff attended the University of Montana on a full ride football scholarship and he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. Cliff played professional football in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Eskimos and the Montreal Aluetes under head coach Marv Levy. Cliff was also drafted to play in the World Football League. There is a plaque in Cliff’s bedroom which reads “Cliff Burnett All American - Honorable Mention. J.C. Gridwire 1970”. During the fall of 1975 Cliff helped coach in the Optimist little league program. Cliff died from cancer in July of 1976 at the age of 26. Cliff is the son of the late Col. Van C. Burnett USAF (Ret) and the late Teenie Burnett.