Don graduated from Penns Valley High School in 1967 and Bloomsburg University in 1971, where he was an honor student, and earned a degree in Business Ed. Don did not wrestle, but as anyone in PA knows, both schools had superior programs in that time. After college, Don was hired at Bald Eagle Area as a Business Ed. Teacher. 

In 1979, Hall of Fame Coach Dick Rhoades asked Don if he would like to be an assistant coach, despite not having a lot background as a wrestler. Coach Rhoades had a special niche in which he knew Don could perform well and benefit the program.

Don was responsible for team conditioning. Being a dedicated runner with appearances in the Boston Marathon added to his ability to condition wrestlers. Don worked the team hard to build their stamina. He also was responsible for the team records, publications, logistics etc. He was a great conditioning coach. His efforts aided greatly in BEA’s reputation as being in top notch condition and dominating the third period. BEA wrestlers never ran out of gas when Don Burris was training them!

For 22 years Don worked the teams’ conditioning.  BEA became a state power in the 80’s and a national power in the 90’s. In that time span, BEA won 290 meets, and suffered only 29 losses. BEA had 5 undefeated seasons, 13 District Championships and 6 Regional titles, and was ranked #1 in the state at least 4 years during that time. Then in 1999, despite being a small school district, BEA finished the season as the #1 ranked team in the nation! 

Much of that attributes to the efforts of Don Burris making sure BEA wrestlers would out-condition their opponents. All the while, Don also organized all team events, programs, tournaments, travel details, weight certification requirements, and any other administrative duties. 

Don served as the secretary of the District 6 Coaches Association for 23 years. Don has been the Treasurer for the Penn State Wrestling Club, the largest fan-based wrestling club in the US for nearly 10 years. He is currently serving as the Secretary for the Centre County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, but is transitioning to the Treasurer position as his wife Bonnie is taking over as the Chapter Secretary.

Don and Bonnie still reside in State College. They have been married for just under 50 years, and had two children together