Mark Burkhart

Football and Wrestling - Class of 1974

"Standing at 5’10” and weighing 170 pounds, Mark Burkhart understood early on that excelling in football required both exceptional strength and speed. During his time at South in the early 1970s, weightlifting was emerging as a key component of athletic training. Guided by Coach Dick Booth’s philosophy, Mark and his teammates embraced their preparation, dedicating evenings to weightlifting and running independent practices to “do the things” and “pay the price to succeed.”

Mark’s relentless work ethic and unwavering dedication, bolstered by the mentorship of legendary coaches John Davis, Dick Booth, Guy Malone, and Jay Vorhes, propelled South to an unforgettable season in the fall of 1973. The team achieved an undefeated championship, surrendering only 33 points across 11 games. Mark’s hard work paid off spectacularly that year, highlighted by a pivotal moment when he intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards to help secure victory against a formidable rival, SM West.

A remarkably versatile athlete, Mark earned all-league, all-metro, and state honors on both offense and defense—an extraordinary achievement that places him among the elite in high school football history. His athletic prowess extended beyond the gridiron; Mark also excelled in wrestling, capturing a league championship in the 167-pound weight class.

Mark’s success in multiple sports embodies his advice to aspiring athletes: “Do something else.” By embracing more than one sport and fully utilizing his talents, Mark exemplified what it means to be a complete athlete."