Riley Burger: A Legacy of Excellence in Track and Field

Riley Burger, born in New Hamburg, Missouri, has established herself as one of Missouri’s most accomplished track and field athletes, excelling in the long jump and triple jump. From her record-breaking high school career to her collegiate achievements at the University of Louisville, Burger’s journey is marked by technical precision, academic excellence, and resilience.

Early Life and High School Dominance

Burger attended Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where her athletic prowess emerged early. Initially envisioning herself as a sprinter, she discovered her talent for jumping during a physical education class, setting the stage for a historic career:

• State Championships: Won four Class 4 state titles—three in triple jump (2017–2019) and one in long jump (2019). Her triple jump of 41’3” (12.57m) ranks second all-time in Missouri history, while her long jump of 19’7.5” (5.98m) sits sixth.

• School Records: Set Notre Dame records in triple jump (41’3”), long jump (19’7.5”), and high jump (5’6.5”).

• 2019 SEMO Conference Senior Only Meet: Concluded her high school career by breaking the high jump record (5’6.5”) and securing the Southeast Missourian Track and Field Athlete of the Year honor.

Burger’s versatility extended to relays, where she earned all-state honors in the 4x200m and contributed to Notre Dame’s first girls’ team state podium finish (5th place, 37 points).

Collegiate Career at the University of Louisville

Burger joined Louisville’s track and field team in 2020, balancing athletic excellence with academic rigor as a nursing student (BSN ’24).

Key Achievements:

• ACC Honors: Four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021–2024), USTFCCCA All-Academic Team (2021), and All-ACC Indoor/Outdoor Academic Team selections.

• Jumping Prowess:

  • Triple Jump: Set a personal best of 12.56m (41’2.5”) at the 2024 Pacific Coast Invitational, ranking fifth in program history. Won the 2024 Jim Vargo Invitational (12.30m/40’4.25”).

  • Long Jump: Indoor best of 5.69m (18’8”) at the 2022 Louisville Cardinal Classic.

• 2023-24 Season: Secured third place at the Rod McCravy Memorial Invite (12.24m/40’2”) and competed at the ACC Indoor Championships (12.15m/39’10.5”).

Resilience and Adaptability:

Burger navigated injuries and the transition to NCAA competition, consistently refining her technique. Her training emphasized plyometrics, sprint drills, and recovery strategies to manage the demands of multisport competition.

Post-Collegiate Pursuits

After graduating, Burger transitioned to healthcare as an Operating Room Nurse at St. Francis Medical Center in Louisville. She remains connected to athletics through:

• NIL Opportunities: Partnering with Opendorse for endorsements, offering shoutouts, appearances, and autographs.

• Advocacy: Promoting fitness and mental health via social media (@riley.burger), blending her nursing background with athlete wellness.

Legacy and Impact

• High School: Revolutionized Notre Dame’s track program, leading the team to back-to-back district titles and a historic sectional win.

• College: Elevated Louisville’s jumping standards while maintaining a 3.5+ GPA. Her academic-athletic balance inspired peers, earning recognition in The Cash Book and MileSplit.

• Community: Continues mentoring young athletes, emphasizing perseverance and holistic growth.

Conclusion

Riley Burger’s career epitomizes the fusion of athletic excellence and intellectual dedication. From Missouri’s tracks to ACC podiums, her journey underscores the power of resilience. As she thrives in healthcare and beyond, her legacy endures as a beacon for aspiring student-athletes.

Go Riley!