David Burger, Class of 1959

David Burger ’59 passed away on June 11, 2021. David graduated from Otterbein and was a member of the first Otterbein College track & field team in 1958 and a participant with the “O” Club. He also played basketball, golf and football while at Otterbein. He taught and coached in the Columbus Public Schools while obtaining his master degree from the Ohio State University in 1964.

He went on to begin the track & field programs at Cleveland State University where he was the head coach from 1967-1992 and then was inducted into the university’s athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. He also led the Case Western Reserve University cross country program from 1964-65.
After retirement he worked for the United States government establishing sports programs in Third World Nations. He was also on the faculty of the United States Sports Academy in Alabama, taught golf classes at Lakeland Community College and was a field tester for the North American Fisherman Association.
David is survived by his wife Gail, children Ruthann and MaryJane, along with grandchildren.