Katie Burke (Formerly Rick) has been among the most accomplished contributors connected to the sport of log rolling over the past 20 years, working as a professional log rolling promoter, coach, and competing as a professional log roller as well during that time. The Onalaska, WI native is also currently a Lecturer of Accountancy at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Burke’s first venture into promoting tournaments came in 2008 when she co-founded Three Rivers Roleo, which eventually grew into one of the top three professional tournaments in the sport. Since 2015, the Roleo has had the second highest purse on the professional circuit and attracted virtually every top 10 pro in the world. Three Rivers Roleo celebrates its 15th year, the weekend of July 14 & 15 at Sunset Beach in Kimberly, WI. The event was broadcast in several states on Fox Sports North, covering much of the upper Midwest, from 2015 to 2019. Burke, who’s also directed several amateur tournaments, founded the US Logrolling Open, a pro event which made its debut in Chicago Southland in June of 2016 and moved to Gladstone Michigan in 2018. The 7th annual US Log Rolling Open will be held on July 4. The majority of top 10 professional competitors on both the men’s and women’s side are expected to attend both events. Since moving to the Gladstone the Open is co-directed with Dan McDonough, a 9 time log rolling World Champion.
Burke has also produced a stellar resume as a competitor in the world of Timber Sports. Over the past two decades, Burke has qualified for the STIHL Timbersports series seven times, every year boom running was a part of it, and qualified for ESPN’s Great Outdoor games as well. She’s consistently been among the top Log Rollers in the world since 2005, earning 13 top 3 finishes during that stretch. Additionally, she is a professional boom runner. She placed 2nd at the Lumberjack World Championships in 2018 and 2021 and is currently ranked #1 in the World in Boom Running.
Burke also consults on other events assisting in coordination and execution. She worked on the STIHL Timbersport Series behind the scenes as the Director, Roger Phelps, right hand in 2017 and 2018. She worked at the STIHL Reno Air Races in 2017.
