Northeastern University Athletics

Sandra Marie Burke was elected to the Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in the sport of track and field.

Burke performed virtually in a class by herself as a weight events competitor in the early 1980's. She dominated he New England and Greater Boston track scene in the shot put and discus and was a multiple All America selection for the Huskies. She was a three-time team captain outdoors and indoors, and a four-time New England champion, and four-time Greater Boston champion in the shot put and the discus. She is the University record holder in both competitions. According to her coach Joe Donahue, the intensity and dedication she displayed has yet to be surpassed. Through four years of varsity competition, Burke was unbeatable in dual meets.

As a junior at Northeastern in 1981, Burke competed against the Soviet elite team in both Leningrad and Bucharest, highlighting an extensive international career. These competitions made her the first Husky female athlete to compete in either the Soviet Union or Yugoslavia. Burke, who could repsquat 340 pounds and dead lift over 400 pounds, was certainly one of the best conditioned athletes to be found anywhere on the Northeastern campus from 1978-1982. As a senior at Northeastern, Burke was fourth at the TAC Nationals at Madison Square Garden, and sixth at the NCAA Championship shot put competition. She wrapped up a brilliant career in stunning fashion her senior year, capturing both the indoor and outdoor AIAW National Championships in the shot put. In the Olympic Trials, she was fourth in 1980, and sixth in 1984.