A Legacy That Built the Foundation

The story of our league begins long before the Jr. Celtics name took the field. For decades, Mokena youth football was represented by the proud and determined Mokena Burros—a name that became synonymous with resilience, teamwork, and community spirit.

Player Reflections on the Burros Era

Steve Bueschel — Burros Player, 1976–1979

“My name is Steve Bueschel, and I played for the Burros from 1976 to 1979. I was fortunate to be coached by Dick and Harry Pedigo, Ralph Bueschel, the Phillippo family, Dick Mansell, and John Cappodice. Football was a true character builder—it taught us who we were and who we wanted to become.

Our 1979 varsity team, led by Coaches Mansell and Cappodice, captured the Super Bowl title. I’ll never forget the confidence we had walking onto that field, two-by-two and completely silent. Late in the game, down 6–7 on our own 5‑yard line, Coach Cappodice drew up a bold plan: take a safety intentionally, rely on our defense, and win with a final drive. We trusted him completely—and it worked.

Coach Mansell’s defense made the stop, we forced a punt, and Coach Cappodice guided the offense to the game-winning touchdown. I have never been part of a team like that since. Our coaches demanded unity; we arrived as a team, played as a team, and left as a team. The program was tough, but it shaped who I am today.

One name that stands out from those years is Kenny Knapczyk. He played junior college football, tried out twice for the Chicago Bears, made the strike team, and continued playing professionally afterward. That boy loved the game.”

Patrick Loftus — Burros Player, 1968

“I left Mokena for college in Utah in 1976 and recently discovered online that my name is part of Burros history. I still remember Coach Krueger believing in me and our huge upset over Franklin Park in 1968. I scored two touchdowns and made a dozen tackles in that game—it was the highlight of my athletic career. I still have the playbook from that season.”

Origins of Burros Football (1963–1970)

Mokena youth football began in 1963 with a small group of kids—Duan Niemann, Brian Knierim, Ray and Billy Patterson, Mark and Toby Krueger, Dewey Moses, Steve Sorenson, Scott Holladay, Duane Pierson, and others—who gathered every Saturday at Lincoln-Way Field for informal games organized by George Krueger. Their enthusiasm inspired Krueger to create a formal team.

With the support of dedicated parents including Norm Patterson, Bob Pierson, Bob Fortman, Jim Kraft, and Chuck Swanberg, the Mokena Burros were officially formed in 1964.

The Burros Name

The name “Burros” originated when Krueger watched a local parade featuring a small, spirited burro used as a mascot for a Colt baseball team. Its tenacity and energy made it the perfect symbol for a youth football program—and, as far as Krueger knew, Mokena became the only football team in the country proudly carrying the Burros name.

By 1965–66, Mokena was the smallest town in America with an official Pop Warner team.

Notable Milestones

1964

The Burros played their first game on September 10, 1964, against the Kankakee Moose at Beckman Park. The team finished its first season 2–6, earning its first victory at Downers Grove thanks to a decisive touchdown by Terry Ryan.

1965–1966

• Entered the Southwest Midget Football League.
• The Lights team won the championship, upsetting Tinley Park 14–7.
• A new Pee Wee team, coached by Jim Lillie, went undefeated.
• In 1966, under Coach Foster Tekotte, the Pee Wees won the Goblin Bowl in Bloomington on Halloween.

1967–1968

New coaches Dick Mansell and Gene Hug joined the program. In 1968, the Burros joined the prestigious George Halas League, competing against the strongest suburban programs in Chicagoland.

That year, the Varsity team captured the league title with a 19–13 victory over Franklin Park—a team that had averaged 48 points per game and had not allowed a single point all season. Led by outstanding performances from players like Pat Loftus, the win remains one of the program’s most memorable achievements.

Community-Driven Operations

In the early years, the organization relied entirely on volunteers and community support:

• Coaches and parents lined fields, bought paint, ran concessions, and stored equipment.
• The program owned over 120 pairs of football shoes, shared from year to year.
• Annual team trips to college games—including Notre Dame, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, and Soldier Field—were highlights for players.

Burros Who Made Their Mark

Over the years, several Burros players went on to accomplish great things both on and off the field:

• Jim Snikeris (1968) — Tried out for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos, became a collegiate MVP, and later earned recognition with the Joliet Fire.
• Blake Tekotte (1968) — Named to the Pop Warner All-American Team.
• Russ Dickerson (1966) — Became a respected scientist, holding advanced degrees from the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan and later working in Mainz, Germany.

Coach Krueger often said the boys who needed the most encouragement became his greatest success stories—players like John Majewski, Kevin Quinn, Billy Clegg, Pat Loftus, Richie Fronek, and many others.

The Philosophy That Endures

As George Krueger once said:

“Sport doesn’t develop personality—it reveals it.”

The purpose of the program has always remained the same:
To give children a place to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience, and—most importantly—to have fun.

From Burros to Jr. Celtics: A Modern Evolution

The Burros name carried this program for generations, laying the groundwork for what we are today. As the game and its athletes have evolved, so has our identity—growing into a brand focused on opportunity, development, and excellence.

This evolution reflects our commitment to progress while honoring the past. It strengthens our purpose, expands our reach, and ensures that every athlete has a place to grow.

Still, the heart of the Burros lives on.
The grit.
The unity.
The tradition.

The colors may change, but the foundation remains—built by those who came before and carried forward by every athlete who wears the jersey today.