David “Clay” Burkhard competed in wrestling for Ohio University from 1964-67, earning varsity letters in each of his final two years.

Upon the completion of his collegiate career, Burkhard served as a varsity assistant coach at Fairview Park High School for three years before becoming head coach in 1970 and serving in that capacity from 1970-97. He guided Fairview Park to 203 victories, state dual championships in 1994 and 1995, 10 Top 10 Ohio High School Athletic Association finishes and six conference titles.

He was named conference coach of the year eight times, Greater Cleveland Coach of the Year seven times and Ohio Coach of the Year in 1984 and 1988.

Following his time as the Fairview Park head coach, Burkhard served as a varsity assistant coach at Columbia Station High School from 1998-2001.

During his career, Burkhard coached 10 state champions, 19 state finalists, 35 state place-winners, 61 state qualifiers, 44 sectional champions and 69 conference champions.

He was inducted into the Ohio Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Lorain County Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1992.