If the essence of track and field is running fast and jumping high, then Tyler Burger has all the bases covered.
At the District 2 Class AA Championships, Burger won the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump and high jump. At the PIAA Championships, he secured a bronze medal in the 300 hurdles (38.54) and placed sixth in the long jump (21-5¾). He was one of two WVC boys (along with GAR’s Anthony Maurent) to win multiple state medals, and did so despite battling shin splints all season.
For his efforts, Burger has been named The Citizens’ Voice Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year. He recently discussed his standout junior season with staff writer Evan Korn.
Q: What does winning an award like this mean to you?
A: I know it means a lot to my family. It definitely means a lot to me. Hopefully it means something to colleges because I’m hoping to get a pretty good scholarship to a good college.
Q: At states, you false started in the 110 hurdles for the second time in three years. How were you able to rebound and medal in your remaining events?
A: Well, I think I used it to my advantage because I was very upset. It didn’t help me in the long jump. In the 300 hurdles, I saw people in front of me and went for it.
Q: You dealt with shin splints all season. What was the most frustrating part about dealing with that injury?
A: Probably not practicing, or going to a meet hurt.
Q: Were you able to do certain things to compensate for not being at your physical peak?
A: Most of my time this year I spent over by the high jump just putzing around. That’s what I did while my shin splints were hurting because I couldn’t do the hurdles or anything. So I’d go over and do hurdle drills, throw my legs over the hurdles. And then I’d go over to the high jump. I wouldn’t even do run-ups. I’d just stand and jump over the bar.
Q: What is something people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: I’m really funny and good to get along with. I get along with everybody. Most people carry grudges and stuff, but I don’t judge a book by its cover. I like to meet people, see who they are, get to know them and then go from there.
Q: If you could have dinner with three people — dead or alive — who would they be?
A: Arnold Schwarzenegger, my grandparents (Ed and Carol Gemberling) and Brad Paisley.
Q: What is your favorite event and why?
A: The 110 hurdles because it’s short and sweet most of the time…especially when I’m not false starting.
Q: Seven district titles and three state medals in two years. What’s next for you?
A: Well, I want to definitely want to win states in all of my events next year. I think I can do it. For districts, I’m hoping to qualify in every single track event. I plan on doing everything. I’m going to throw, I’m going to pole vault, I’m going to run run distance. Everything. I just want to qualify for everything and do something no one else has done.