Oakdale Siblings Carry on Family Athletic Legacy

Burford siblings excel in multiple sports at Oakdale High School, continuing their parents' athletic tradition.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Burford siblings - Dakota, Skyler, and Wes - are all standout athletes at Oakdale High School, following in the footsteps of their parents, Wes and Jill Burford, who were also star athletes at the school. The siblings compete in various sports like football, wrestling, and soccer, and have found great success, with Wes being the Sac-Joaquin Section's all-time leading rusher. The family's athletic background and emphasis on hard work have helped shape the siblings' achievements.

Why it matters

The Burford family's story highlights the power of intergenerational athletic legacies and the impact that supportive, sports-minded families can have on young athletes. It also showcases the diverse talents of the siblings and the school's ability to cultivate well-rounded student-athletes.

The details

Dakota, Skyler, and Wes Burford are all excelling in their respective sports at Oakdale High School. Wes, a graduating senior, is the Sac-Joaquin Section's all-time leading rusher in football and is also a top wrestler nationally. His sisters, Dakota and Skyler, are standout soccer players. The siblings credit their athletic upbringing and their parents' emphasis on hard work and perseverance for their success.

  • Wes Burford wrapped up his 2025 football campaign as the Sac-Joaquin Section's all-time leading rusher.
  • Wes Burford will continue his academic and athletic career at the Air Force this fall.

The players

Wes Burford

A graduating senior at Oakdale High School who is the Sac-Joaquin Section's all-time leading rusher in football and is currently ranked in the top three in the nation in his wrestling weight class.

Dakota Burford

A junior at Oakdale High School and a standout on the soccer team.

Skyler Burford

A freshman at Oakdale High School and a standout on the soccer team.

Wes Burford

The father of the Burford siblings and a former NFL quarterback who graduated from Oakdale High School.

Jill Burford

The mother of the Burford siblings and a former track star who graduated from Oakdale High School.

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What they’re saying

“We come from a very athletic family. My mom was very involved with track. She did gymnastics. My dad played football. So growing up, we always knew we were going to do some sports.”

— Dakota Burford

“They've always worked hard when they were younger. You can see it. The big thing my husband and I put on them is 'I don't care what you want to do in life, but you're not going to quit.'”

— Jill Burford

“At first, it was a little nerve-racking when they called and offered me. Just thinking military. What I see on TV. A good movie reference is Major Payne. My dad really loved it from the start, and both of my sisters are really happy about it.”

— Wes Burford

“It's hard to put into words how proud I am of them. Seeing everything they've gone through to get to the point to where they're at, to being the best two soccer players I know.”

— Wes Burford

“The amazing thing about the Burfords, they are one of the most kindest, nicest human beings. They are good, genuine people. Dakota is our team captain and she is one of the nicest human beings around. People gravitate to the Burfords because of who they are as people.”

— Kico Monares, Oakdale High School soccer coach

What’s next

Wes Burford will continue his academic and athletic career at the Air Force this fall.

The takeaway

The Burford siblings' success in multiple sports at Oakdale High School demonstrates the power of family legacies and the impact of supportive, sports-minded parents. Their story highlights the school's ability to cultivate well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.