Hall of Fame
When wrestling coach Gary Olson asked Curtis E. Burckhardt to "just help the wrestling team out" during the 1958 season, Coach Olson didn't know that Mr. Burckhardt would compete for the next four years. In his first season, Mr. Burckhardt won the state championship and went on to win it for the next three years as well - twice as a heavyweight and twice in the 191 lb. class.
Mr. Burckhardt took a leadership role during his junior and senior years at Macalester helping the new coach, Dean Maas, and becoming the assistant coach for the wrestling team the year following his graduation. He helped Macalester out during the next two seasons by coaching until a full-time wrestling coach could be found. Following his departure from Macalester, Mr. Burckhardt refereed for the Minnesota High School Wrestling League.
Other activities he was involved in while at Macalester include flying. Mr. Burckhardt was an avid pilot and president of the Flying Scots during his senior year. He continued to fly following his graduation and has owned five airplanes since that time.
During his last three years at Macalester, Mr. Burckhardt was director of the foreign language laboratory. Taking over the job of Harry Bratnober, Mr. Burckhardt took light course loads and was a part-time member of the faculty. The leadership skills learned at Macalester carried him into his present position as president of three Portfolio Companies, which develop and market real estate investment tax shelters.
Mr. Burckhardt resides in Bloomington.
