WILMINGTON, Ohio - Throughout the coming months, the Wilmington College athletics department will be highlighting senior student-athletes who had their senior seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
Today's senior salute is Emma Burke. A four-year member of the women's track & field team, Burke competed in sprints, hurdles and middle distance for the Fightin' Quakers. She was also a member of countless relay squads during her time wearing the Green & White and was a multiple-time Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) finalist.
What is your major? - I am an exercise science major (allied-health concentration) with a minor in psychology and chemistry.
What is your favorite class at Wilmington College? - My favorite class that I have taken would have to be my research class because I had the opportunity to research about exercise and how it affects the brain, which is something I'm really passionate to learn about.
What is your favorite memory with the women's track & field program? - My favorite memory with the track and field program would be our end of the year cookout at our assistant coach's house (Kyle Wolf) every year. It is really awesome to see the whole team come together playing volleyball, jumping on the trampoline and reflecting on our year.
What are your plans after graduation? - After graduation, I plan on attending medical school.
Do you see yourself returning to Wilmington to compete in 2021? - I have thought about this question a lot since I heard I would not be able to compete in my senior season. I have known since sophomore year that I would have to stay for an extra semester into my fifth year, and since picking up my chemistry minor, I now have to stay for a whole year. Staying to run during my fifth year is very likely. I'm just not ready to give it up yet.
What is your message to underclassmen on the impact of COVID-19? - Never take your sport for granted. I feel like I really under-appreciated how much I loved being a student-athlete until the end of my junior year when I ran a sub-par race in the last meet of the year. I think that is what really hits home. I had all these goals and plans for outdoor season this year and it was taken away too soon. During your time off, be driven to excel in your sport. Stay healthy, not just physically, but mentally too. Sleep right, stay hydrated, excel in the classroom and continue to understand how blessed and privileged you are to continue the sport you love during your college years.
