Can a Wrestling Mat REALLY Honor a Hero?

Yes, indeed it can! Sierra Christopher Burgess wrestled for Orland High School for four years. On the mat, Sierra honed the skills and attitudes he kept his entire life. The blood, sweat, and tears he poured out at practices and in dual meets and tournaments built in him the fortitude and determination to make his dream of flying for the US Air Force come true and sustained him throughout his 12-year battle with brain cancer. He died an example of selfless service, never complaining nor shirking his duties.

We have the opportunity to honor his legacy of perseverance and humanity by donating a competition wrestling mat to Orland High School. Won't you please help?

Sierra was one of those rare individuals who knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up. His grandpa was an Air Force pilot, and when Sierra played with the aircraft joystick at the age of 7, he decided then and there he would be a pilot, too. It would not be easy. But when Sierra set a goal, he didn't let anything stop him. After thoroughly researching what it would take to be accepted into a military academy, his path was set. He volunteered until he was old enough for a paying job. He competed on the swim team and played soccer and football, and he wrestled. He was elected student body president in his senior high school year. With all the busyness, he sailed through his college prep classes with a perfect GPS.

Such single-mindedness makes some people selfish and impatient. Not Sierra. Throughout his life, he treated everyone he met with respect and a degree of humility - no doubt learned on the wrestling mat. His brother Ryon said it best: "If you don't like Sierra, it's a you problem, not a Sierra problem."

Then in 2009, the brain cancer surfaced. To most, that discovery would shroud the future in despair and dark uncertainty. Once again, not Sierra. No longer allowed to fly was a bitter pill, but he accepted the reality and looked forward. Each new assignment was a challenge he met with his trademark doggedness to learn and excel. He left each assignment better than he found it. He earned the respect of everyone he worked with. Even through his grueling cancer treatments, he never grumbled or even muttered under his breath. Again, fortitude and determination and character all forged on the wrestling mat.

Sierra lost his courageous battle in March 2021. He is survived by his mother, his brothers Ben and Ryon, his sister Roxanne, his wife Amy, and two miracle girls, Branwen and Teagan.

We all thank you in advance for your donation towards honoring this hero.

God bless,

Sierra's family