RELEASE: Thunder Dan Named Assistant AD

RALEIGH, N.C. - Dantonio Burnette, a member of NC State football's strength and conditioning staff for 15 years, has been promoted to Assistant Athletics Director.  Burnette has served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football since 2016.

"Coach Thunder" joined the Wolfpack strength and conditioning staff as an intern following his 2003 graduation, working his way up to graduate assistant, assistant and then assistant head coach before taking over the football programs strength and conditioning staff in 2016.  He spent one year (2012) as an assistant for Pitt's S&C staff.

"The development of the student athlete is at the foundation of our program," said head football coach Dave Doeren.  "Thunder and his staff completely understand how to direct that process in the Strength and Conditioning arena. He is constantly perfecting his craft to find new methods and techniques to ensure that no opponent is in better condition than us and has great relationships with our players."

A four-time letterwinner at linebacker for the Pack from 1999-2002, Burnette was named first-team All-ACC as a senior in 2002. He was also the Wolfpack's co-MVP and a team captain that season. His 24 tackles against Clemson in 2001 is tied as the second most in a game in school history and he ranks second in career tackles with 476. His 41 career tackles-for-loss also rank fourth in school history.  

"Dantonio's leadership with the strength and conditioning program has strongly contributed to the success of the football program," said Raymond Harrison, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Sports Administration and Student Services. "The culture here is as intentional and strong as anywhere I've been. He embodies the integrity of character and blue collar work ethic that is synonymous with NC State and his staff is in alignment with Coach Doeren's vision for the program."   

Burnette was a standout in the weight room as well, earning the team's most valuable lifter award in 2001.   He earned a degree in sports management with a minor in business management from NC State in 2003.  Earned his master's in higher education and sports management in 2007.

He is CSCS certified through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and is USAW certified through USA Weightlifting.  He is a member of CSCCA, AFCA, and is first aid, CPR & AED Certified.

The Warner Robins, Ga., native and his wife  Edrina, have three children:  Alexis (18), Austin (4) and Aiden (2).