Cornell University Athletics

Burnell won All-America honors in the weight throw after his third-place finish (59-2) at the 1969 NCAA indoor track championships. He placed fifth (57-2) at the indoor IC4A championships in 1969. He was undefeated in dual meets during the 1968-69 indoor season and was captain of the team the following year. Burnell was the recipient of the Robert J. Kane Award as the best senior sportsman and the Gatling Award as the senior who has done the most for Cornell track. Burnell also competed in the weight throw at the NCAA championships in 1970, but fouled on the 60-foot throw and did not place. He competed in the hammer throw outdoors.