For the past 13 years, Coach David McEnaney has been a cornerstone of the MN football program. From his initial roles as the freshman and reserve coach to more recently being the head JV coach, special teams coordinator, and the running back position coach, McEnaney has interacted with countless athletes across the football program.
But now, McEnaney is shifting gears and embarking on a new, exciting journey: taking over as Millard West’s varsity head coach.
“Being here for so long and [being a part of] this community has always been special to me,” McEnaney said. I’ve made Millard North my home… I’m going to miss it.”
He has always been a strong presence on the team, and his bond with his athletes extends beyond the playing field.
“He was my freshman coach, and he’s always been the guy I could talk to. He’s been one of my favorite coaches I’ve had,” senior Spencer Phillips said.
Throughout his high school career, Phillips has been a linebacker and long snapper, and has worked closely with McEnaney, developing and fortifying his skills.
“He really helped [me develop] my liking for long snapping, and he’s just a good coach… everybody loves him,” Phillips said. “He brings some energy, brings a little fun, but [he] can also be very serious.”
McEnaney has been a consistent presence in the football program, always bringing enthusiasm and motivating the team to greater accomplishment.
“During practice, he’s always nice and giving encouragement to the team,” junior Brady Andersen said. “Most of the time, he’ll be cracking jokes and stuff like that… he always brings up the energy a lot.”
Having a bond with the team he coaches and the school he works at has always been exceedingly important to McEnaney, and he hopes to create a similar dynamic at Millard West, while putting his own spin on things.
“I’m excited to be able to lead a group. I feel that relationships have always been one of my strong suits, and being able to bring that energy and bring a different style and vision to a building with a great storied success [is a great opportunity],” McEnaney said.
Millard West is special to McEnaney; his wife works there, he lives nearby, and his kids go to a Millard West feeder elementary school, so his attachment to the school runs deep.
“Millard West has always been the one other place I could see myself being connected to, one of the only other places it would be more than just a job,” McEnaney said.
While the football team will certainly miss one of its long-term, staple members of the coaching crew, athletes and coaches alike are excited for McEnaney as he steps into this new role.
“Coach Burrell has been great through this whole thing. He and I have talked about it several times. He is in full support of me going and kind of fulfilling my dreams,” McEnaney said.
His departure will certainly take some getting used to the shift in the team dynamic, and his absence will be felt throughout the program.
“[McEnaney leaving] sucks for us, but it’s his decision and it’s a great job for him. I’m going to miss not having him for a fourth year,” Anderson said.
His close relationships with the athletes, and the bonds built in McEnaney’s Biology and Zoology classrooms, will be missed on both sides.
“I’ve built a lot of relationships here in the past 13 years, whether it’s seeing siblings of former students or seeing former students walking the halls… those relationships are what I’m going to miss the most,” McEnaney said.
McEnaney’s transition to the opposing sideline will certainly be a big switch, but both he and the athletes are eagerly anticipating competing against one another in the first game of the upcoming season.
“Obviously, you want to win every game, but getting to play the kids that I know here is going to be a lot of fun,” McEnaney said. “I’ve told them it’s going to be the longest handshake line they’ve ever gone through because I’m going to give them all hugs. I can’t wait to see them from the other side of the field.”
Though his absence will be felt, it will also open up a new spot in the coaching lineup, allowing new talent and perspective to enter and instituting a space for reconstruction and growth of MN’s football program as well.
“I have total faith in Coach Burrell. It was kind of hard to hear, but I have already been replaced,” McEnaney said. “When one door closes, another door opens. Me getting my opportunity over at West will give somebody else a new opportunity here, and I fully believe that Coach Burrell will do well regardless of who fills my spot.”
It is certainly a bittersweet moment for all involved. Coach McEnaney will surely be missed, but the future’s looking bright. Perhaps, his departure could bring in an opportunity for new thoughts and help grow an already glowing program.
“I’ve honestly been really lucky to be a part of a lot of very special communities here. Everywhere I’ve gone has had a different feel to the program, but all of them have been vital to supporting each other,” McEnaney said.