Butler senior Burgardt to continue academic, softball career at Chatham
BUTLER TWP — Morgan Burgardt is getting accustomed to change.
Last spring was her first season with Butler High School’s softball team after transferring over from Mars. This spring, she will be the lone senior on the Golden Tornado roster.
Next year, the Butler outfielder will be continuing her academic and softball career at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Chatham is a member of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
“I came to Butler after my freshman year and didn’t play softball my sophomore season,” Burgardt said. “I’m excited about the coming season. I feel more comfortable now and I want to be a leader.”
She hopes to help turn two softball programs around over the next few years. Butler’s program has been struggling in the won-loss department in recent seasons and Chatham is on a streak of 10 consecutive losing seasons.
“Morgan is a good outfielder,” Butler coach Cait Baxter said. “She’s a contact hitter and we’re hoping to improve her batting average and production at the plate.
“It’s always exciting when you see a player from your program go to the next level. It’s another beginning and another opportunity for her to grow as a player.”
Burgardt also considered Gannon, John Carroll, Waynesburg and Indiana (Pa.) before choosing Chatham. She plans to major in psychology.
“When I’m at Chatham, I’m hoping to improve my batting average and be one of the players who helps the team have a winning season,” she said. “This spring, I’m hoping to bring some of the younger players along, motivate them, stay positive about everything.”
Burgardt will become the fourth Butler County area player on Chatham’s roster. Karns City graduate Mackenzie Dunn hit .380 with two homers and 22 RBI for Chatham last spring as a catcher and pitcher. A-C Valley graduate Lauren McNany hit .304 as an infielder. Seneca Valley graduate Lindsay Hans is an outfielder for the Cougars.
Deanna Tritinger is entering her seventh season as Chatham coach. The Cougars were 12-22 overall last season, 6-12 in PAC play. Tritinger is 49-123 in her career at Chatham.
Burgardt plays summer softball for the Ohio Lasers. She stole 22 bases and had a .337 on-base percentage last season.
“I think Morgan can have a big season for us this year,” Baxter said. “She’s settled in now and she’ll be more relaxed. She knows her teammates better and I know she wants to make her senior year count, embrace the challenge of being a leader..”
“I like to hit the ball into the gaps and take advantage of my speed,” Burgardt said. “I mostly play left or left-center. I’m excited about the challenge that’s ahead of me.”
