Jarell Warren graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 2006. Last week, though, after graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Warren was back in his hometown to get ready for a career in professional track.

Jarell Warren outlasts Chris Babcock, both NFA grads, during the last 100 yards of the mile run.

Malcolm Burks, who coaches the boys’ track team at Newburgh, conducts Friday evening track meets at Academy Field, and Warren was one of many alumni, recent grads and current students, who have come out to participate in the weekly events.

“He’s been giving me world class workouts in high school,” said Warren, of Burks, “and I came back to get in the best shape I could.”

Warren, who holds Oklahoma’s record in the distance medley relay with a time of 9:31.38, outlasted Chris Babcock, a fellow alum, Friday, Aug. 3, to win the mile run as they sprinted together during the final 100 yards.

The meets are open to anyone from any town or school, and Burks holds court during the meets as director and master of ceremonies with a mic, pointing out the upcoming Goldbacks and grads like Warren, who performed well after leaving Newburgh.

Terrel Moore will soon be leaving for the University of Albany, where he’ll run on the track team after playing for the Goldbacks’ football team and running the 1,600-meter relay for Burks.

Moore was dressed for the occasion Friday, when he competed in the 400 and 800-meter runs, wearing his blue Superman socks, complete with tiny capes adorning the back of his calf muscles.

“I’ve been here [working out] since the [varsity track] season ended,” said Moore, as he prepares for college.

Moore expects to run the 200 and 400 meter runs for Albany when he starts school there.

By Bond Brungard
sports@tcnewspapers.com