Making a Difference

HOUSTON - University of Houston Track and Field Head Coach Leroy Burrell is no stranger to success.

As a former world record holder, Olympian and world-class coach, there have not been many barriers that Burrell has not been able to run through.

Burrell's athletic achievements are just one portion of his legacy, his connection to people from across all walks of life, different parts of the world and across different generations help make-up the other half.

"There is a quote that says that 'You are a product of the people you meet, the experiences you have and the books that you read' I have been very fortunate to meet a lot of great people, have a lot of great experiences and I need to do a better job of reading more books," Burrell stated.

Born in inner city Philadelphia and making the move to the suburbs when he was 10, Burrell was able to get see what life in Philadelphia was like on both sides of the train tracks.

Growing up he not only learned with, but also competed against a diverse group of people. He credits those early life experiences to shaping who he is now.

"I got the best of both worlds. The hard, scrappy, gritty, city life and the suburban life where the road was paved, and you could see what high achievements in athletics could lead to," Burrell described his upbringing. "I got a little bit of both and in the process, I got to learn with and compete with a very diverse group of people. I think all of those things define me and make it easier for me to work with a lot of different people in what I do now. I've been very fortunate."

Leroy Burrell AAC

As an African-American man, father, coach and public figure Burrell knows that torch he carries is not only for himself, but for those who came before him and who will come after.

With social justice and human rights at the forefront of the minds of many people it is especially important to Burrell. He knows that one of his many duties has a head coach is to help train student-athletes on the track and also mentally so that they can go out and make a difference in the world.

In late January, Burrell was able to share some of his insight with the Houston Men's Basketball team.

"The main thing that I wanted to convey to that group and any group that I talk to is that is that it is not always going to be easy," Burrell said. "People think that when you see a person who has reached a certain level of success that it was automatic.

"It really isn't and there are a whole lot of obstacles and issues. You are going to fail sometimes, and you have to learn how to pick yourself, learn from your failures and move on. Another big thing I try to convey is that many African-American men have education and career an opportunities through athletics. Once those days are over, I think it is our responsibility to support out community and work to create opportunities for others."

Burrell has led by example and has been a role-model for not only the student-athletes who have come through his program, but for anybody who calls themselves a Houston Cougar.

On any given day you can see Burrell walking the halls of the Athletics Alumni Center on the campus of the University of Houston. He has brought back countless former track athletes to help coach up the new generation of Cougars.

When asked what it is was that connects him to each of the student-athletes who he's been in contact with he spoke of his love for the University of Houston and his love for the sport of track & field.

Being the best when it matters most is what he trains every member of #HTownSpeedCity to do, and that is not only applicable to the 60-meter or the long jump, he wants them to apply it in life.

Burrell has shown that he can be the best when it matters most and is one of the most qualified to pass that knowledge down to those under his tutelage. A world-class sprinter with times of 6.48 in the 60-meter and a sub-10 second personal best in the 100-meter, clicking on all cylinders in the blink of an eye on the biggest stage is a skill Burrell has mastered.

"Be at your best, on top of your game, most aware of your situation, surroundings and the objectives that you are trying to meet. Be ready and at your best when you really need to deliver some really strong outcomes," Burrell said.

"Another thing we like to talk about is #RED, 'Ready Every Day'. Ready for whatever you've got to accomplish. Be on the ready when you are called to do a job. Be ready, capable and fit to do it. Always be mindful that you've got teammates that are relying on you. Once you develop that relationship with the people, you're working with that can permeate your life as well.

Leroy Burrell

"Black History Month this year is more than just a trendy hashtag, or marketing ploy. To many people it is a reminder of where we have come and how far we have to go. The first slaves came to American in 1619 and their ancestors were emancipated a mere 156 years ago. Those historical wounds took decades to create and will take years to heal."

Looking forward, Burrell knows that he will continue to help lead the charge for equality.

"Black History Month is reminder to me that the African-Americans who were brought to this country over 400 years ago played a part in taming the wilderness," Burrell stated. "Yet, we haven't truly been given an opportunity in the 244 years since this country was founded to achieve equality and to an extent in February 2021, there is still a deficit.

"We can't fix 401 years of racism and all the after-effects of what came after 1865 in a matter of 156 years. It is going to take some time and we all need to be reminded of that. I think that is what Black History Month stands for."

With his 24^th year at the helm of the Houston Cougar Track and Field program well underway, when Burrell looks back at what his greatest achievement is, he believes it is his gold-medal performance in Barcelona.

With over a decade of coaching under his belt, Burrell has come a long way from Penn Woods High School and shows no signs of putting down the torch.

"Obviously I didn't reach all my goals. I wanted to win an individual medal but winning the relay medal in Barcelona was a monumental achievement that very few people get the opportunity to do," Burrell said. "I'm really proud of that. I was just a little kid from Philadelphia who got the chance to travel and compete for really good prizes and I got to come away with one."

PART ONE: "Breaking the System" - Alexis Cheatum, Housotn Volleyball

For more information on Houston Diversity and Inclusion Council – "Coogs' All-In" – click here.

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Making a Difference

Related Videos