GALESBURG - Mary Burgland has been named assistant men and women's golf coach for the Prairie Fire. Burgland comes out of retirement to join KC Harding in leading the Knox Golf Program.
Burgland is a 1958 graduate of Knox, majoring in mathematics. She began teaching at Evanston Township High School in mathematics in September of 1968. Burgland left to marry George Burgland in 1972 and move to Galesburg. She taught math at Galesburg High School until their children came along. Burgland's daughter Caroline is a 1997 graduate of Knox and son, Rich, is a 2002 graduate of DePauw in Greencastle, IN. Both of their children played on their college golf teams. In fact, Caroline helped to resurrect the women's golf program at Knox!
"I have found golf to be a sport that can be a challenge throughout your life. It tests your resilience to accept the unexpected and deal with the consequences." said Burgland. "Liberal arts students make excellent golfers because of their ability to manage the unexpected and apply their skills for a successful outcome."
In 1988, Burgland returned to teaching as a part-time instructor in math at both Carl Sandburg and Knox. Eventually, she began working at Knox as an administrator in Development and Admission as well as continuing as a part time instructor in mathematics.
In 2000, Burgland began coaching the women's golf team and coached for 4 years. During that time, she was able to win several conference championships, due to some fine individual play.
"I am very happy to have Mary join the golf staff as my assistant coach." said head coach KC Harding. "Mary has a tremendous wealth of knowledge on the game of golf that will definitely benefit our players in tournaments and practice. I know her previous experience of leading the Knox golf team will allow for an easy transition."
Besides her work at Knox, Burgland has been involved in the Sunrise Rotary Club, PEO International, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Galesburg, OSF St. Mary Community Advisory Board Member, Discovery Depot Board Member, Chicago District Golf Association Alumni Director and Sunshine Foundation Director, United Way of Knox County Board, Immaculate Heart of Mary member and Soangetaha Country Club member. She has also been a Board Member of the Illinois Women's Golf Association as well as a member of The Hickory Golf Society of America.
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