High schools across the state had been eagerly anticipating Monday, the first official day of football practice. Perhaps none more so than Mullen.
This season is likely to be one under the microscope for the Mustangs, with all the events surrounding the school and its program in the offseason. But Monday allowed Mullen to turn its attention to football — actual football, not just talk of its program.
“From my perspective,” said , “the kids have been ready (to practice) for about the past two and a half months.”
A year ago at this time, the Mustangs were three-time defending champions of Class 5A and owned a 33-game winning streak. You might have heard that since then, longtime coach Dave Logan — who led the school to four state championships in his nine years — was fired and now guides rival Cherry Creek. (Logan asked that media not attend his new team’s first practice Monday.)
In the months since there has been a in the program’s past, which the Colorado High School Activities Association is due to respond to this week. Mullen also has a new CEO (Carl Unrein) and principal (Janell Kloosterman), the third consecutive school year that Mullen will open with new leadership.
Football, though, is familiar. Long part of Mullen’s identity, the start of practice has given the school a sense of normalcy.
“It’s all very exciting,” said senior linebacker Collin Albershardt, “and we’re about to have a lot of fun.”
Parents have praised Thenell, a 1980 Mullen graduate, and how he has handled the transition. The coach at Bear Creek since 1992, Thenell has also had to adjust.
“I’ve sometimes got to drive by an exit I’m used to getting off for 20 years,” he said.
Still, Thenell knows the Mullen campus well — as a student in the 1970s and as an assistant coach in the 1980s. He returns with a résumé of productive offenses traditionally strong in the passing game.
But the strength of Thenell’s first Mullen team likely will be his defense. Led by senior linebacker Pat Healy, who has committed to Air Force, it’s an experienced bunch.
“(Healy’s) got to be one of the top two or three defensive kids in Colorado,” Thenell said. “He plays hard, he plays intense. He plays football the old-fashioned way. He wants to get after it.”
Mullen’s schedule will be a test, especially early. The Mustangs open with Valor Christian in Zero Week. The Eagles, winners of 23 games in a row, are making the move to Class 5A this year after winning three consecutive state championships — two in 4A and another in 3A.
It’s a game long anticipated by fans around the state, matching the new state power against the established standard. That it’s one of the few Zero Week games ensures it will be a big draw at the gate.
Also on Mullen’s nonleague schedule are national power De La Salle of Concord, Calif. (Sept. 7), parochial rival Regis Jesuit (Sept. 14) and Grandview (Sept. 21), the team that ended the Mustangs’ 34-game winning streak last season.
Things don’t get any easier once league play starts. Super 6 members include defending state champion Columbine, runner-up Lakewood — and a visit to Thenell’s old school, Bear Creek.
Yes, at Mullen, the attention is back on football.
“We’re just trying to get ready for Valor,” senior linebacker Nick Brotzman said. “That’s what we’re mainly thinking about.”
Ryan Casey: 303-954-1983, rcasey@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jryancasey
