A dominant force in the sport for more than three decades, Mark “Redman” Burnam has built a legendary career defined by championships, leadership, and a lifelong devotion to lacrosse. From his first days with a stick in hand as a Mohawk child to his role today as a true ambassador of the game, Burnam has inspired generations through his skill, coaching, and storytelling.

Early Years and High School Success

Burnam’s journey began at Henninger High School, where he led his team to the 1980 New York State Championship, earning MVP honors. This early success set the tone for a career filled with achievement at every level of lacrosse.

Syracuse University and NCAA Championships

From 1980–1984, Burnam played at Syracuse University, where he became a vital part of the program’s rise to national prominence. He was a member of the 1983 NCAA Division I National Championship team and helped the Orange finish as runners-up in 1984.

Professional Lacrosse Career

Burnam’s professional career in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) spanned from 1987–1998. He competed for the New Jersey Saints, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Knighthawks, and Syracuse Smash, earning back-to-back World Championships with the Bandits in 1992 and 1993.

Beyond the NLL, he competed with several Senior B teams, winning three Canadian National Championships — two with the Akwesasne Thunder and one with the Tuscarora Thunderhawks.

International Play with the Iroquois Nationals

Representing the Iroquois Nationals from 1990–2006, Burnam competed on the world stage for more than 15 years. He served as team captain five times, including at the 2002 Box Lacrosse World Championship, and proudly carried the Haudenosaunee tradition to international audiences.

Coaching and Leadership

After his playing career, Burnam transitioned to coaching, serving in multiple roles for the Iroquois Nationals program — assistant coach (2010, 2014), U19 coach (2016), head coach (2018), and U19 head coach (2020).

He also led the prestigious IMG Academy lacrosse program from 2016–2019, guiding top athletes on the national stage, and has officiated youth and high school lacrosse for more than a decade.

Family Legacy in Lacrosse

Beyond the field, Burnam’s greatest pride is his family. He and his wife, Lana, have been together since 1990 and married for 27 years, raising four children who have carried on the Burnam lacrosse tradition:

• Hugh Burnam – former MVP, now a Ph.D. in Education and Native American Studies.
• Tyler Burnam – 1st Team US Lacrosse All-American, Siena Division I scholarship athlete.
• Brad Burnam – 1st Team US Lacrosse All-American, standout at Richmond, 2nd Team All-Conference.
• Cheyenne Burnam – 1st Team All-American at Onondaga Community College, JUCO National Championship appearances, finished 2nd in the nation in scoring.

Together, the Burnams have built a true dynasty where lacrosse isn’t just a game — it’s a way of life.

Hall of Fame Honors

Including his 2025 induction into the Upstate Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame, Mark Redman Burnam is now a four-time hall of famer:

• Henninger High School 1980 State Championship Team – Upstate NY Lacrosse Hall of Fame
• North American Indigenous Athletes Hall of Fame (2023)
• Akwesasne Hall of Fame (2025)
• Upstate Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame (2025)

Mark Burnam’s Timeline of Excellence

• 1980 – Henninger High School, NY State 4AA Champions, MVP of Championship Game
• 1980–1984 – Syracuse University
• 1983 – NCAA Division I National Champion, Syracuse University
• 1984 – NCAA Runner-Up, Syracuse University
• 1984 – Olympics, Los Angeles, Iroquois Nationals Exhibition Team
• 1990 – Iroquois Nationals, World Games Australia (Captain)
• 1992 – Buffalo Bandits, MILL World Indoor Lacrosse Champion
• 1993 – Buffalo Bandits, MILL World Indoor Lacrosse Champion
• 1994 – Iroquois Nationals, World Games England (Captain)
• 1994 – Tuscarora Thunderhawks, Senior B Canadian National Champions, MVP
• 1995 – Akwesasne Thunder, Senior B National Champions
• 1996 – Akwesasne Thunder, Senior B National Champions
• 1998 – Syracuse Smash, MILL Professional
• 1998 – Iroquois Nationals, Baltimore (Captain)
• 1999 – Niagara Hawks, Senior B Captain
• 1999 – Akwesasne Thunder, Senior A Player/Coach, Eastern Finals Runner-Up
• 2000 – Coach, Niagara Wheatfield High School
• 2001–2007 – Head Coach, Niagara on the Lake Box Lacrosse (CLA)
• 2002 – Iroquois Nationals, World Games Australia (Captain)
• 2003 – Prague Tournament Champion with Rebel’s on Tour
• 2003 – Iroquois Nationals, World Indoor Games (Silver Medal)
• 2006 – Iroquois Nationals, World Games London (Captain)
• 2007–2013 – High School Coaching in North Carolina (Weddington, Charlotte Christian), multiple Coach of the Year honors
• 2010–2014 – Assistant Coach, Iroquois Nationals
• 2014 – Road Warriors Win National Tournament, Dick’s Tournament of Champions
• 2015–2018 – Head/Assistant Coach, IMG Academy National Team (#2 ranked)
• 2016 – U19 Iroquois Nationals Assistant Coach, coached 3 All-World players
• 2018 – Iroquois Nationals Head Coach, World Championships in Israel

A Lasting Lacrosse Legacy

Mark Redman Burnam’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. His accomplishments as a player, coach, and ambassador have left an enduring mark not only on Upstate lacrosse but also on the global stage. His induction into the 2025 Upstate Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career — and a life — dedicated to the Creator’s Game.