R.E. Lee kicker wins national competition

STAUNTON — Robert E. Lee’s kicker Dustin Burdick won the Michael Husted National Kicking Competition on Jan. 4 at Rice University in Houston for his field goal accuracy.

Burdick was among the final four in his age category. The sophomore kicked a 48-yard field goal to win the competition. He finished punting eighth and finished fourth in the kick off competition.

“He’s made all-district and just continues to improve since he’s been a freshmen,” said Lee football coach David Tibbs.

“He has a strong leg and has improved his field goal accuracy. He’s grown stronger and he’s a good kid.”

Burdick won the Regional East Coast Competition in East Brunswick, New Jersey last August. He made eight-of-10 field goals. His kickoffs averaged 48 yards with a hangtimeof 3.3 seconds. That gave Burdick the opportunity to compete in the National Kicking Combine Series months later. 

“It was a good experience for me,” Burdick said. I was able to compete with people from all over the country. I think it made me a more confident player and it will prepare me for next season.”

The combine series holds competitions at three levels that include the regionals, semifinals and finals.

Burdick kicked nine-of-10 field goals at the national competition.

Football season is over, but the kicker is not finished. He will continue to push himself in the off season.

“I do this because I love it,” Burdick said. “I’ll practice with my dad and keep working out.  It was a real good experience for me in Houston. The warm weather didn’t hurt either.”

The future looks bright for Burdick.

“If he continues the way he has, he will go on to play in college if he wants to,” Tibbs said. “He has the talent. But he’s got two more high school years with us.”