A pioneer in the sports publicity profession, Burrell was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame and served a term as its President
One of the longest-tenured Sports Information Directors (44 years) in history
Handled publicity chores for the “Dirty Thirty” team at Iowa State as well as bowl teams in 1971 and 1972
During his tenure (1941-78, excepting some naval service), he worked with five Athletics Directors, seven basketball coaches and eight football coaches
“Bow ties, notes written in green ink, unflagging ambition and enthusiasm – those are among the trademarks of Harry Burrell” – Omaha World-Herald columnist Wally Provost