Steven Burdick
It doesn't matter where or when Steve Burdick will find himself on the sides of the mats or in the middle, slapping an individual outcome. He has had a very honored and fine career within the wrestling community. Steve graduated from Denver Lutheran High School in 1976 where he wrestled for four years. From there it was on to Colorado State University where he only competed in wrestling for one season. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in 1980 and would gain his Master's in 1992. His coaching career got underway at Creighton Junior High in Lakewood in 1981-1982 where his team compiled a 16-0 record. It was on the Bear Creek High School in 1982 where he has been ever since. Over the course of his career, Bear Creek has finished 12 times among the top two teams in the Jefferson County League, has come through with seven, top 10 finishes in the state tournaments with many wrestlers listed in the Colorado record books in various categories. From 1982 through 2015 he has compiled an overall record of 202-151-4. His league record at Bear Creek over the seasons has been 118-93-3. He has coached more than 50 state placers, 5 of whom earned All-American honors. His top individual state champions have been P.T. Garcia, Michael Barnt, Schuller Pitt, Eric Brennan and two-time champion, Scott Dooley. Garcia was a three-time champion and a Wrestler of the Year honoree. Burdick feels that his greatest contribution to wrestling is the support he has offered to more than 1,500 wrestlers, who he has had the privilege to coach. He was the Jefferson County League Coach of the Year in 1989 and 2006 and honored by the Jefferson County Hall of Fame in 1989. He has been highly involved in the Colorado Wrestling Coaches Association and the National Wrestling Coaches Association. He was also an official for several years from 1981-1995 in all classifications of the sport. He considers Greco-Roman to be his favorite when it comes to officiating. He officiated college style wrestling from 1981-1985 and at the junior high and high school levels for several years. He has officiated in three Sports Festivals (1990, 1992, 1998), was the head official at the Rocky Mountain Regionals (1989-1994), was the Colorado Junior Director (1985-1989) and the Colorado State Chairman (1990-1993) among his many contributions. He also coached one of the state's greatest female wrestlers, Adeline Gray, who was an eventual member of the Women's World Team and eventual two-time World Champion. "Probably the greatest of all blessings has been working with the kids before they knew who they were going to be and help them get their visions of what that might have been. It's just been great working with all of them and their parents." The last dual meet for Burdick at Bear Creek will certainly be one to remember as the gym filled with former wrestlers. "I felt with pride what so many have become and done in their careers. It was the greatest blessing." Along with his wife, Shelley, the couple have three children, Nathan, Nicolas and Lucas.
Awards:
Year
2015
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Award
Lifetime Service to Wrestling
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Chapter/Region
Colorado
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