CHS trainer Richard “Burkie” Burkholder honored for years of service
More stories from Rowan Young
CASD trainer Richard “Burkie” Burkholder was recently inducted into the PA Athletic Training Hall of Fame.
In high school athletics, injuries are almost as common as scoring points. Athletic trainers are the heroes on the sidelines who are always ready to combat injuries in any high school sport.
Richard “Burkie” Burkholder is the head athletic trainer for CHS Athletics and was recently inducted into the Athletic Training Hall of Fame. Burkholder has changed student lives and the athletic program at CHS.
At CHS, Burkholder has made a profound impact on the student-athlete population as well as on other athletic training programs. He has inspired other high school athletic training programs to be started all over the state.
This tree, along with a plaque honoring Burkholder, was recently planted in front of the McGowan building.
CASD Athletic Director, George Null, commented about Burkholder being a “pioneer of athletic training.” He has inspired many PA athletic trainers to start programs and to grow programs at their respective high schools.
Burkholder came to Pennsylvania and “started the first athletic training program in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Null.
Burkholder believes in the importance of athletic training and has definitely helped many Carlisle student-athletes through sports induced injuries. While Burkholder has left a medically charged impact on CHS, he has changed the lives of many students.
Senior Sarah Raphael has been around Burkholder for 4 years and said, “He has created an environment where Carlisle athletes can be treated with care and return quickly to their teams.”
Senior athletes who have experienced Burkholder at many different games and matches have nothing but good reviews for the seasoned trainer.
Junior Emilie Zukowski described her experience with Burkholder, saying, “When I felt others were pushing me to make decisions about how to go about my injury, Burkie would be realistic and helped me heal in the most efficient way.”
Touching personal stories are not rare among the CHS student-athletes. Almost every athlete has had some sort of interaction with Burkholder, whether it was treatment for an injury or just a smile and a handshake after the game.
Senior Ellie Tate is impressed with Burkholder’s commitment and said, “His dedication for years leaves a profound impact on everyone. Burkie really cares about every athlete.”
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Sarah Thompson • Dec 9, 2016 at 8:16 am
I love Burkie! He’s such a legend:) What a great tribute to his service to Carlisle athletes.
Nice work!
Liz Lohman • Nov 4, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Burkie has not only influenced student-athletes, he has inspired many students to follow in his footsteps, including myself! I was one of his student trainers all 4 years in high school. I am now one of the Athletic Trainers for the Milton Hershey School, and I have been there for 10 years so far. I know of a few people that have also gone on to become athletic trainers because of him. He is one of the greatest influences in my life and I think of him as family! Heck, he even introduced me to my husband! Thank you Burkie for everything!!!