A standout player for Coach Bob Brown at South Portland High School, Paul was a two time Bangor Daily News All State player, earning 2nd team honors in 1979 and 1st team honors in 1980, leading the Red Riots to back to back Class A State Titles. Paul continued his career at Bentley College for two years before transferring to USM for his final 2 seasons. A
top referee for the past 20 years, Burnell has officiated in 6 state finals as well as 10 regional final games.