Burmester honored as Class 1A Runner of the Year
After placing seventh in the Class 1A State Cross Country Championship a year ago, Keri Burmester of Red Bud entered her senior season with an even loftier — but still realistic — goal in mind.
The reigning Belleville News-Democrat Class 1A Runner of the Year, Burmester had in mind a top five finish when the best small school runners in the state converged on Detweiller Park in Peoria in early November.
Following a solid summer of training and an impressive win at the New Athens Invitational to start the season, it appeared Burmester’s senior season would truly be one to remember.
As it turned out, most of Burmester’s 2015 cross country season was one she would like to forget.
Diagnosed with what she has been told by doctors could be an iron deficiency, Burmester noticed early in the season that her quad muscles were heavy and fatigued and as a result her times were getting slower and slower.
“I didn’t know what was going on. All I knew was that my times were dropping immensely from last year and it was not pleasing at all,’’ Burmester said. “From what I tell people in general is that they first thought I was anemic. But when I had tests done they said my blood levels were normal. Then I had tests done to check my iron levels and they weren’t what they were supposed to be. So we’re still trying to figure out what’s going on.’’
“It’s in my quads. They feel felt heavy and fatigued and when I run it gets to the point to where I can’t lift them any more and I can’t go any faster.’’
But showing the talent, heart and determination that have made her one of the elite runners in the state during the past three years, Burmester fought her way through a solid season.
Though her times were much slower than in the past, Burmester still managed to win six races — including the Cahokia Conference and IHSA Class 1A Regional — and her 30th place finish at the state finals was the best of any local Class 1A runner. For that finish and another good year, Burmester earns the honor as the News-Democrat Class 1A Runner of the Year.
Also one of the state’s best in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters during the track and field season, Burmester is currently taking some time off while doing some light training in order to get ready for the spring season. Also ranked first academically in the senior class at Red Bud, Burmester is looking at colleges. Illinois State University, Lewis University, Lindenwood-Belleville and SIU-Edwardsville are among her top choices.
“If I had to say, I would probably say I’m leaning more towards SIU-Edwardsville,’’ Burmester said. “It’s close to home, but I just really like the campus. I’m trying to keep in touch with the coaches and would like to make an official visit and see what they have.’’
Although, Burmester couldn’t quite reach her goals this season, she leaves Red Bud as one of the best distance runners in school history. When Keri Burmester graduates in June, it will also mark the end of the Burmester era in Red Bud distance runner. Older sister Brittney was also one of the top runners in the state while she competed for the Musketeers.
“It seems like we’ve had a Burmester running at Red Bud for a long time. I’m going to miss coaching them. They’re great young ladies from a great family,’’ Musketeers coach Robert Ashley said.
Considering the physical pain and mental stress on Burmester this year, the fact she placed 30th in the state finals is a remarkable feat. An accomplishment that two weeks before the state series began that even Burmester had doubts would happen.
“I was keeping my eyes on what some of the top runners were doing and my times and they weren’t even close. I was thinking “am I even going to qualify for state.’ Burmester said. “I won the regional but my time wasn’t very good and then the sectional wasn’t good either but I qualified.
“At the state finals at Detweiller Park (in Peoria) the first mile went great. The pace was fast and I felt good. But then about the second mile, it started again. My legs felt heavy and I could hardly run. I remember thinking that I could walk faster then I’m running. It was heartbreaking.’’
Dean Criddle: 618-239-2661, @CriddleDean
This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 6:32 PM with the headline "Burmester honored as Class 1A Runner of the Year."