Olympic sprinter leads track and field team as head coach

IUP has a hidden gem on campus running the track and field program. Former Olympic sprinter Michelle Burgher is in her third year at IUP as a coach, but is only in her first season as head coach.

Born in Jamaica, Burgher started her track and field career at George Mason University. After her coaches left following her sophomore year, she decided to transfer to the ACC and run for Clemson University.

"After my coaches left at George Mason," Burger said, "I didn't feel as comfortable anymore." 

"Once I visited Clemson, I immediately felt at home and relished the role as a leader," Bugher said. "I also transferred to Clemson to give myself more of a push due to the stiffer competition that I would face in the ACC."

Not long after her transfer to Clemson, Burgher exploded onto the national scene, playing a part in winning the NCAA championship in the 4x400 meter relay team.

"That 4x400 relay team was an amazing team," she said. "I'll never forget that team. We were the first women's team to win a relay."

The time that they posted is still a school record at Clemson. Along with a national championship, Burgher was also a five-time All-American and posted the third fastest individual 400 meter time in Clemson history.

Running for Jamaica in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, Burgher won both silver and bronze medals in the 4x400 meter relay team.

Along with the two medals in the Olympics, Burgher was also a part of the world champion 4x400 meter relay team at the World Championships in 2001 in Edmonton, Alberta. When asked about her medals, Burgher was very humble.

 "Winning medals was a big deal for me," Burgher said. "I'm very proud of what I accomplished, but I don't brag about them. I don't have them displayed at home. They are packed away. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to represent my country in the Olympic Games."

After her success at the World Championships in 2001, Burgher agreed to become an endorsed

athlete of Puma.

"Once I got the endorsement deal with Puma it really solidified my choice to pursue a career in track," Burgher said. "It showed me that all the hard work I put into it was paying off and it was completely worth it."

 Even seven years after her last medal, Burgher is still a celebrity in her home country.

"I can't walk outside alone without getting mobbed by fans wanting a picture or an autograph," Burgher said. "It still amazes me to this day. I feel so humbled by it."

Burgher first jumped into coaching in 2001 at Williams, a Division III school.

"I jumped in headfirst, I wasn't scared or intimidated," Burgher said, "I have a passion for coaching. It also helped that I was very enthusiastic coming right out of college."

Burgher stayed at Williams until 2004.

She was named the head coach at IUP in February this year. She was an assistant for the previous two seasons. As a young coach dealing with a young team, the job comes with some rewards.

"The reward to me personally is watching the athletes compete hard every time out there and seeing them improve week to week," Burgher said. "Even though this is a young team, they are very eager to learn and they seem to find inspiration not only from their coaches but, also from their fellow teammates as well."

Burgher says her Olympic experience helps bring in other athletes..

"My past has some pull with kids and I use it to my advantage," Burgher said. "It definitely helps a lot. Hopefully it will help us become a dominate program in two to three years."