New Carlstad Crusaders HC Alex Burdette explains move to Sweden and more
Graphics: Igor Lazarevic
When Carlstad Crusaders signed Alex Burdette as their new head coach for the 2023 season earlier this month, they knew they were getting a talented young leader for their team.
But they also gained enormous experience.
The 30-year-old Burdette from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, has already amassed an impressive resume as both a head coach and assistant. This past season he was the offensive coordinator for Istanbul Rams in European League of Football but before that he had worked with Milan sailors in Italian football league, Wroclaw Panthers in Polish Football League, served as head coach for Bialystok Lowlanders, also in PFLguided them to the championship final, and was behind the offense of Hildesheim Invaders of german football league, all good before he reached 30.
His college resume includes coaching with Clemson University while winning the 2011 and 2013 Orange Bowl titles
So even if Crusader get a young head coach, they also get a very experienced and successful head coach.
AFI: What was the deciding factor that convinced you to sign with the Crusaders?
Burdette: There were, of course, many factors that led to the decision, but the most decisive was the opportunity to join such a tight-knit organization. The Crusaders are truly a family and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. There must be a strong sense of trust throughout an organization for it to be successful and it is clear to see here. Carlstad has a strong foundation of players, management and community involvement. It’s incredible to see so many people working towards a common goal, and I’m excited to bring everything I can to the program.
AFI: You spent the last season running the offense for the Istanbul Rams in the ELF. Tell us about that experience.
Burdette: Working with Rams in ELF was a challenging experience but one that I was able to learn a lot from. Once again having the opportunity to work with coach Val Gunn, I was able to improve my knowledge of aspects both on and off the field. The Turkish people I met were very kind and hospitable, I was able to make many friendships during my time in Istanbul.
AFI: This will be your fourth different country. What are the differences you feel between them?
Burdette: Of course there are some cultural differences in different countries, but I’ve been lucky enough to have some pretty amazing experiences. I’m a firm believer that life is about who you spend it with, and I’ve been blessed to work with some incredible people over the years in Europe. There are too many people to mention, but I can confidently say that I have been blessed to work with some amazing people who have made my time in each country I have been in enjoyable in their own special way.
AFI: Crusaders have a history of excellence. Do you feel any extra pressure on this program?
Burdette: With an organization as successful as this one, there is an expectation, but I wouldn’t call it pressure. The plans I laid out for the team when I introduced myself revolved around a set of team bids we had at Clemson. Our team messengers emphasize being a good person (on and off the field), being the best teammate you can be, and giving 100% effort. Nowhere in our team commandments does it say “win the championship”. Although it is our goal, what we focus on is our motto “Best is the standard.” In my experience, if we can hold ourselves and those involved in our organization accountable to stick to the team commandments and strive to reach our BEST day in and day out, success and championships will follow.