Rocky Burkett
Aberdeen,SD
Summary
Athletic development and program leadership professional with 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, fundraising, and student development at Northern State University. Proven track record of rebuilding programs, securing seven-figure federal grants, leading high-performing teams, and generating six-figure annual fundraising results. Strategic relationship builder with expertise in donor engagement, marketing partnerships, and championship-level program development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD
05.2025 - Current
- Lead annual fundraising efforts for Men’s Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, and Swimming Championship Accounts
- Generated sponsorship revenue through 24 softball and 50 baseball locker partnerships for new facility upgrades
- Partner with Athletics to secure seasonal marketing contracts and assist with ticket sales strategy
- Oversee planning and execution of the annual Wolves on the Water tournament benefiting athletic scholarships
- Direct fundraising initiatives for the Milicent Atkins School of Education
Head Wrestling Coach
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD
04.2015 - 05.2025
- Rebuilt a suspended program into a championship contender and nationally recognized academic team.
- Grew roster from 7 to 32+ student-athletes
- Supervised full-time and graduate assistant coaches
- Managed annual operating budget and all team travel logistics
- Founded the Wolves Wrestling Club Regional Training Center
- Competitive Success
- Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Co-Champions (2020–21)
- Six winning dual seasons in final seven years
- Coached 17 NCAA National Qualifiers, 3 Regional Champions, 8 All-Americans
- Academic & Culture Impact
- Increased team GPA from 2.70 to 3.40+
- Mentored 78 NWCA Academic All-Americans
- Fundraising & Revenue Growth
- Built annual fundraising to $100,000+ through events, sponsorships, and donor programs
- Sold 37 locker sponsorships during facility campaign
- Led Give N Day fundraising totals for five consecutive years
- Directed summer wrestling camps averaging 500+ participants
TRIO Student Support Services Director
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD
10.2014 - 04.2015
- Managed $250,000 annual budget and two full-time staff
- Authored and secured five-year, $1.25M U.S. Department of Education grant
- Directed compliance reporting and annual federal performance reviews
- Strengthened campus collaboration and student service programming
Head Wrestling Coach
Aberdeen Central High School
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Managed all day to day operations of the team
- Developed practice plans and analyzed individual film
- Assisted in developing competition schedule
- Oversaw program budget and travel for competitions
- Directed fundraisers for the wrestling team
- Established the Aberdeen Youth Wrestling Club Board and Club By-laws
- Coached 28 state place winners, including four individual state champions
- Mentored six Academic All-State wrestlers
- Won the Eastern South Dakota Conference title in 2014 & 2015
- Captured the Region 3 title in 2014 & 2015
- Placed 4th as a team in 2013 South Dakota State Wrestling Tournament
- Won 2014 South Dakota State Wrestling Tournament team title
- Placed 2nd at 2015 South Dakota State Wrestling Tournament (14-0 in Duals)
TRIO Upward Bound Director
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD
11.2010 - 10.2014
- Managed $289,000 annual budget
- Secured five-year, $1.4M federal grant
- Directed six-week residential summer academic program
- Led recruitment, advising, and staff supervision initiatives
Assistant & Graduate Assistant Wrestling Coach
Northern State University
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Taught technique and drills to team members
- Instructed individual workout sessions
- Analyzed individual film
- Served as recruiting coordinator for program
- Responsible for lodging and travel expenses
- Assisted with purchasing and budget management
- Prepared fundraisers for the wrestling team
- Coached 10 wrestlers to the NCAA Division II National Tournament
- Coached 2 NCAA All-Americans and 1 NCAA National Champion
- Mentored 15 Academic All-Americans
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Manchester University
05-2005
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Manchester University
05-2005
Affiliations
NCAA Wrestling Championships Committee Member (2022–Present)
- Assisted in planning regional and national championships
- Reviewed and selected host sites
- Contributed to tri-annual championship budgeting
South Dakota Chapter of ASPIRE
- President (2013–2015)
- Government Relations Chair (2011–2013)
- Led statewide advocacy efforts for federal TRIO programs
- Engaged directly with congressional offices in Washington, D.C.
Timeline
Director of Development
Northern State University
05.2025 - Current
Head Wrestling Coach
Northern State University
04.2015 - 05.2025
TRIO Student Support Services Director
Northern State University
10.2014 - 04.2015
Head Wrestling Coach
Aberdeen Central High School
01.2012 - 01.2015
TRIO Upward Bound Director
Northern State University
11.2010 - 10.2014
Assistant & Graduate Assistant Wrestling Coach
Northern State University
01.2005 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Manchester University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Manchester University
SELECT HONORS
NCAA Region 5 Coach of the Year (2021), Northern State Thunder Awards Coach of the Year (2019, 2022), Flowrestling Hometown Hero Finalist (2020), National Wrestling Coaches Association Social Media Best of Brand Award Northern State Wrestling (2016), South Dakota High School Coaches Association Coach of the Year (2014), NCAA Division III Academic All-American