Some people have the honor of saying they were a collegiate athlete, but not many can say that they were once a collegiate athlete in two sports.
For All-American sprinter Harry Adams, coming to Auburn meant playing football. But that changed when he chose track instead.
"I came to play football, and when they recruited me they said I could do both," Adams said. "I had to choose one of them, so I just chose track."
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Adams has been playing football and running track all of his life, and he is now tearing up the record board on the track.
Track coach Ralph Spry said Adams was quite a sprinter in high school, and although he didn't run track his first two years at Auburn, he hasn't missed a beat since joining the team.
"He's got that track background, he's got the work-ethic, he has all the resources and a lot of good people around him," Spry said. "So I think it's just a match made in heaven, and we're really fortunate he was willing to come to track and field from football."
Adams said at first football was fun, but his transition from football to track occurred because of all the changes made to the coaching staff.
"(Track) welcomed me with open arms," Adams said. "I knew half of them before and they were telling me to come out, so I just came out there with them. It was like I already knew them."
Since joining the team, Adams has not only shined on the track, but has been a friend to his teammates.
"I'll call Harry for anything--if I need help with homework, if I need some advice," said sophomore sprinter Keenan Brock. "I don't think words can describe how I would call him a friend."
Brock said since he has known Adams, he has been goofy, intelligent and a hard-worker dedicated to the sport.
Adams recently ran a 20.10, which is the second-highest time in the world in the 200 meter, Spry said.
This weekend Adams will compete in the 4x100 at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia.
Auburn will get to claim Adams for one more year until he reaches his ultimate goal of graduation.
After college Adams hopes to be successful person in whatever he does, whether it be his job, running or raising his son to be a great young man.
"He's one of the best sprinters in the nation, and I think what you've seen of Harry Adams is just the tip of the iceberg," Spry said.
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