Mike Burgener California Strength and Power HoF inductee 2025 (Contributor)

By Strength and Power Hall of Fame

Personal History:

Mike Burgener graduated from Marion High School in Marion, Illinois, in 1964. He earned an BA degree in Economics from the University of Notre Dame in 1968 and an MS in Physical Education from the University of Kentucky in 1971. In 1975, he served as an Infantry Officer in the United States Marine Corps. From 1976 to 2008, he dedicated his career to public education, coaching, and teaching. In 2008, he became a CrossFit Subject Matter Expert in weightlifting, sharing his expertise in Olympic lifting and strength training. His lifelong dedication to fitness and education has impacted countless athletes and coaches.

What led you to your contributions in strength sports:

Mike needed strength to enhance performance and prevent injury while playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Strength training became essential for improving power, resilience, and overall athletic ability, allowing him to compete at a high level while minimizing injury risks on the field.

Contributions in strength sports:

He began as an assistant student strength coach at the University of Notre Dame before becoming the head strength coach at the University of Kentucky. he later served as a senior international coach for USA Weightlifting and coached the USAW Junior World Team. Additionally, he became a CrossFit weightlifting coach, helping athletes develop strength, power, and technique. His experience in strength training and Olympic weightlifting has allowed him to coach and mentor athletes at various levels of competition.

Other accomplishments outside of strength sports:

Father of four, married for 48 years, and a proud former Infantry Officer in the USMC. Owner of Mike’s Gym, once a USA Weightlifting regional training center, dedicated to developing strength and Olympic weightlifting athletes. Passionate about coaching, mentoring, and helping others reach their full potential in fitness and life.

Relative information:

Mike has been involved in strength and conditioning since 1964—it's his absolute passion! Dedicated to training, coaching, and helping others build strength, improve performance, and reach their full potential through years of experience and commitment. 

Other activities within the sport:

 Senior International Level 5 Weightlifting Coach and a USA Weightlifting Level 2 International Referee. Mike served as a CrossFit Subject Matter Expert in weightlifting and the head coach of Burgener Weightlifting, formerly known as CrossFit Weightlifting, dedicated to developing strength and Olympic lifting athletes.

 

Author: By Strength and Power Hall of Fame Completed: no Created: Sun Feb 02 16:25:41 UTC 2025 | Last Updated: Tue Feb 04 01:14:47 UTC 2025