After two years sidelined by injury, Burke senior Dillon Birge has paved the way to his spot as the top runner on the team, and he’s not taking it for granted. After multiple season-ending injuries, he’s back and better than ever.

“Coming back from a two-year-long injury has been really tough, not gonna lie,” Birge said. “But I’ve pushed through, and now I’m back to number one on the team.”

Injuries have defined Birge’s high school running career. It first started with spraining his ankle during basketball. His passion for running began his freshman year when he found success on the track, which fueled his love for competition and, most importantly, winning.

“Freshman year I started off kinda slow, but I finished the year as a 4×8 state champion in track, which really gave me the passion for running,” Birge said. “I just love to win and I want to keep doing it.”

This season, Birge’s determination has paid off. He’s medaled at nearly every meet, proving his consistency among some of the state’s toughest competition, despite not having a proper season since sophomore year cross country.

“This season I’ve medaled at every meet besides two, which happen to be some of the harder meets we go to. Which is great since I haven’t run cross country since sophomore year,” Birge said. “That’s what keeps me going in a race, thinking about winning a medal.”

With districts approaching, Birge is setting his sights higher than ever. His ultimate goal is not just personal success, but to help lead his team to the state stage.

“My goal for the year is to qualify for state and hopefully medal, that’s the ultimate goal,” Birge said. “And to carry the team to state.”