Kelly Walsh’s Cameron Burkett wins 2022 Milward Simpson Award

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - When Cameron Burkett put on the green and white of Kelly Walsh, he was a nightmare for opponents during his high school career. The young man avoided tacklers on the football field and broke records in track and field.

This past weekend, Burkett’s career accomplishments were rewarded with the 2022 Male Milward Simpson Award. He became the first Kelly Walsh Trojan male athlete to win the award since Allyn Griffin in 1981. The award has been handed out annually in Wyoming to an outstanding male and female senior athlete.

For the former Prep Athlete of the Week, it was a tough decision to go the awards banquet ceremony in Cody. He said it was “bittersweet” at first having to make the trip.

“I knew the [Colorado] Avalanche were playing, and I wanted to go to an Avs game with my sister, so I was kind of angry that I had to drive to Cody,” explained Burkett. “But then when I won it, it changed everything and really made me realize how awesome it was.”

In track this past spring, Burkett set the new Wyoming state standard in the shot put. On the final throw of his high school career, Burkett notched a 65-10.25, which bested the previous state record held by 2017 Milward Simpson winner Logan Harris from Torrington. The Trojan finished with back-to-back 4A state shot put championships.

On the gridiron, Burkett was also hard for opposing defenses to contain. He achieved two first-team All-State selections as a Trojan. As the primary running back for Kelly Walsh, Burkett led the Trojans in rushing and receiving yards as a senior. He tallied over 1,600 total yards and found the end zone nine times.

Aaron Makelky, who has been Burkett’s head football coach the last three seasons, said it was “a great honor” to coach Burkett.

“When he’s your leading receiver and returner and rusher and he’s a punter, I mean there wasn’t a lot else we could ask him to do,” said Makelky. “He couldn’t do the water because he never came out of the game, but he did just about everything there was on the field, so he’s set the bar high for all the guys to follow him.”

Burkett will compete for the University of Wyoming track and field team in college.

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