Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Burton Barger's career as an athlete and high school coach was full of the success which bring about selection to the Sports Hall of Fame.  Barger grew up in Rowan County and came to Lenoir-Rhyne in 1939 following an outstanding athletic career at China Grove High School.  Barger was a standout baseball and football player for the Bears, earning all-conference and honorable mention All-America status in football.  Even though his athletic career was split by World War II, during which time he served in the Army Air Corps, Barger returned to Lenoir-Rhyne and graduated in 1947.  Much like his brother, L-R Hall of Famer Frank Barger, Burton Barger had a successful 36-year teaching and coaching career in the North Carolina school system.  Barger earned numerous Coach of the Year honors in football, track and cross country while building winning programs at Valdese, North Rowan and Davie County High Schools.  Over the course of his career, Barger coached in the East-West All-Star game, served on the Shrine Bowl selection committee and coached various Junior Olympic teams.