On The Right Track
Burns competes in AAU Jr. Olympics
El Dorado’s Deandra Burns Jr., competed recently in the AAU Jr. Olympics in track and field. The event was held July 28-August 4 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Burns, a 13-year-old at Barton Jr. High School, won two gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal, earning the title of All-American in both the 100 and 200. He competed for Team Elite Track Club.
“Deandra is a young man with incredible talent,” said Coach Deneisa Jamerson. “I am very proud of his maturity on and off the track. Throughout all of his immediate success, he has remained humble and driven. I am very proud to be called his coach.”
Burns, who was competing in track for the first time, won the 100 in the 13-year-old boys division with a time of 11.75. His winning time in the 200 was 23.65. He also took silver in the long jump with a leap of 19-4 1.4 inches and bronze in the 400 with a time of 52.29.
Burns qualified for the AAU Jr. Olympics by competing in the AAU regional track meet, held in Joplin, Missouri in June.
Team Elite Track Club is state-wide with male and female athletes aged 6 to 18. The area coaches are Jamerson and Kenneth Cunningham.
“Team Elite Track Club is a non-profit organziation that promotes fitness and fosters a positive outlet for the youth of our community to grow and learn,” said Jamerson.