Millard North football entered a new era Monday as the Mustangs named Allen Burrell Jr. as the school’s head football coach.
“I am humbled and grateful to be appointed as the head coach of the Millard North football program,” Burrell said. “It has always been my aspiration to lead this esteemed program where I started my high school coaching career and gained the motivation to chase my dream,”
Burrell replaces legendary Coach Fred Petito who retired after 41 seasons. Burrell started his coaching career at Millard North (2008-2015) under Petito and helped lead the Mustangs to three state titles.
“I owe a lot to Coach Petito for believing in me and providing me with my first opportunity,” he said.
For the last two seasons, Coach Burrell served as the head football coach at Mount Michael Benedictine School and as an assistant coaching stint at Creighton Prep before his time at Mount Michael.
“The journey from Creighton Prep to Mount Michael and back to Millard North was an exhilarating ride, and I am forever thankful to those who supported me during this journey,” Burrell said. “Millard North is where my family and I have always felt at home, and I am beyond excited to guide these young student-athletes and the community toward the next chapter of Millard North football. Code Blue!”
In a press release, Millard North Athletic Director Keith Maly expressed his excitement about Coach Burrell’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Burrell back to Millard North, where he played an instrumental role in three state championships. Coach Burrell is known for his high energy, exceptional coaching skills, and his ability to build strong relationships. We are confident that he will honor the rich traditions of Millard North while also paving the way for the next era of Mustang football.”
Originally graduating from Overland High School in Aurora, CO, Burrell continued his athletic journey at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and North Dakota State University, where he not only excelled in football but also in track and field.
