Brooks races to state 1-A crown

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 23, 2018 8:30 AM

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BUIES CREEK -- Mo Brooks glanced up at the big scoreboard.

He saw 10.64 seconds.

Nipping at his heels was Russell Burns, who crossed in 10.65.

And that was just the prelim round in the 100-meter dash.

They'd meet again 24 hours later.

"The one kid...a little competition between us," Brooks said of Burns, a 6-foot-5 skyscraper who had the edge in length.

"I had to try to figure out my steps because he was a lot taller and had longer legs."

When they returned to the track inside Amanda Littlejohn Stadium at Campbell University on Saturday morning, a relaxed Brooks took ample time to stretch. He felt a little sore.

The two lined up in their respective lane.

The gun sounded.

"We were off to the races," Brooks said.

Less than 12 seconds later, Brooks edged Burns at the finish line and walked away as an N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A state champion. Brooks broke the tape in 11.37 seconds -- a miniscule .06 seconds ahead of Burns.

A total of .11 seconds separated first from third.

"It was one of the best starts that I've ever had," Brooks said. "When I got to the 50 [meter mark], I didn't see anybody and then I was celebrating with my family. I was just trying to prove myself...happy to be there."

Brooks became the fifth individual state champ in Wayne Christian history. He joins Eric Williams (men's golf), Anthony Mulligan (men's track), Connor Jones (men's cross country) and Paige Court (women's cross country) on the elite list.

An outspoken competitor, Brooks placed eighth in both the 400 and high jump.

A year ago, he never imagined his dream would become reality. He transferred from Charles B. Aycock and quickly settled into the "Eagles' Nest" on Patetown Road.

Under the watchful eye of Dr. Ashely Shook and his teammates, Brooks soon learned the technique necessary to excel. He improved his form at the start, kept his head down and enhance his chances at the finish line.

It turned into a pretty good season, despite participating in two sports. Brooks helped WCS advance to the final four of the NCISAA 1-A baseball tournament.

"I had been focusing on both [all year], but when baseball finished, I started focusing on track," said Brooks, who practiced track on Mondays, Fridays and on his own time.

"It was pretty hard. [And] it feels good that I can leave my legacy somewhere and go down in school history."