The Don Bain Hall of Fame Committee announced the induction of Coach Leo Burger into the Don Bain Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication, leadership, and service to Iola High School and the Iola community.
Coach Burger will be formally inducted on Oct. 16, 2026, during Iola High School Homecoming festivities.
The ceremony will take place at the Iola bandstand immediately following the Homecoming Parade and the introduction of the Homecoming Court.
A 1926 graduate of Iola High School, Burger was a standout student-athlete who participated in football, basketball, and track. His senior football team completed an undefeated season, and he was actively involved in school leadership through the I & Hi-Y Club and Student Council. He also served as class treasurer and secretary and was captain of the basketball team.
Burger dedicated nearly three decades of service to Iola High School, teaching from 1940 until his passing in 1969. During his career, he also taught classes at Iola Junior College when it was housed on the third floor of the high school. His teaching assignments included mathematics, economics, and psychology. In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Coach Burger served as head football coach, head basketball coach, and later as athletic director.
As a football coach, Coach Burger ranks among the most successful in Iola history and remains the second-winningest football coach in school history. He recorded four winning seasons and guided the Mustangs to the prestigious Southeast Kansas League Championship in 1947. In 1944, he temporarily left his educational duties to serve his country after being activated for military service during World War II.
Coach Burger’s influence extended far beyond wins and losses. Notably, he coached Don Bain in both football and basketball during Bain’s high school years. He also hired fellow Don Bain Hall of Fame inductee Coach Mav Smith, helping shape the future of Iola athletics for generations to come.
For many years, Coach Burger was considered an institution at Iola High School. He earned the admiration and respect of students, athletes, colleagues, and community members alike. His legacy continues today through the Iola Mustang Football Alumni’s annual Distinguished Mustang Award, which is named in honor of both Coach Leo Burger and Coach Wendell Frazell.
Coach Leo Burger’s remarkable contributions to education, athletics, and the Iola community have left an enduring impact. His induction into the Don Bain Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a life devoted to excellence, service, and the success of others.
