Former Merced High runner will represent U.S. in track and field

SACRAMENTO — Once the competitive fires have been lit in someone, it's pretty tough to extinguish.

Mel Brooks can attest to that.

The former Merced High track star thought he'd moved on with his life, marrying and beginning his career. But 20 years after medaling in the 440-yard sprint at the CIF State Meet, Brooks' dormant flame crossed paths with an accelerant.

"My wife and I went to this Masters Track and Field event at the Cow Palace," Brooks said. "I think it was the 100-meter dash that got to me.

"I turned to my wife and said, 'I think I can do this.' "

He was right.

Starting up again in his mid 40s, it took Brooks three years to get back into running shape. He's been doing it ever since.

His comeback culminated at the ripe age of 67 as he captured the men's 65-69 category 400 title at the 2008 USATF Master Indoor Championships in Boston.

"That was pretty emotional for me," Brooks said. "I'd had some pretty good races, but to win the title really meant a lot.

"It kind of justified everything I've done since getting back into running."

Brooks expects the emotions to be twice as high today in Sacramento as he represents the United States in the 19th World Masters Athletics Outdoor Stadia Championships.

More than 4,800 athletes representing 93 countries are set to compete in the nine-day biennial event, with the field of participants ranging from 35 to 101 years old.

Almost 2,000 of those athletes will be American as the WMA Championships is taking place in the U.S. for just the second time. The meet will have numerous big names including former men's triple jump world record holder Willie Banks and former Olympian and Chicago Bears Super Bowl champion Willie Gault.

The bulk of the competition will take place at Sacramento State, but Sacramento City College and American River College will offer their facilities as well.

Brooks will compete in the men's 70-74 200 and 400 races. He's hoping to add at least one relay race to his week as well. The top qualifiers from the U.S. in the age group will be formed into a relay team.

"Getting to represent the USA is already a huge honor," Brooks said. "Qualifying to be part of either the 200 or 400 relay teams is definitely one of my goals.

"There's 60 athletes in my age bracket, so there's going to be three rounds of qualifying. They spread them out over a couple days to let us older guys recover."

With several grandchildren ready to run, Brooks plans to start a running club next year. He acknowledged the new extracurricular could cut into his training, making it all the more important that he seize this opportunity.

"This is the first time this event has ever been held in California, so it was something I felt like I had to be a part of," Brooks said. "It would really mean a lot to me if I can finish in the top eight.

"Some of the guys coming in have some really fast times, but I always tend to respond to the competition around me."

The biggest competitors always do.

Sean Lynch is a Sun-Star sports writer. He can be reached at 385-2476 or via e-mail at slynch@mercedsun-star.com.