Mike Burkhart
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- Sport(s):
- Basketball
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- Years Played:
- 1975-79
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- Year Inducted:
- 2015
Mike Burkhart started his outstanding Bellevue University basketball career in the fall of 1975 for Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Mosser.
As a senior during the 1978-79 season, Mike finished 10th in the nation in scoring with an average of 27.0 points per game (this coming before the introduction of the three-point line) and led the country in free throw shooting at a blistering 92.7 percent. For his outstanding work on the court, he was named Bellevue University Athlete of the Year in 1978-79.
His 92.7 percent mark from the free throw line was a program record upon his graduation, as were his 1,815 career points. In the 36 years since his graduation, his 1,815 points still rank second in program history, and his 20.4 points per game scoring average ranks fourth.
A four-year letterman, Mike was named NAIA honorable mention all-District on three occasions.
In his four years at Bellevue, he led the Bruins to a record of 53-44 (.546). He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business.
Mike has had plenty of noteworthy accomplishments in his professional career. He was the national director for Pizza Hut for 17 years and a former President/CEO of Papa John’s Pizza in New England and Boston Market in Omaha.
He has also served as a long-time youth basketball coach, working with fourth and fifth graders for several years.
He is currently employed by Disabled Goodwill and is married to his wife of 36 years, Patricia. Together, Mike and Patricia have three sons, Dan, Brian, and Tim.
