Lawrence Leake has always represented Huntington High School with class. The senior has won league, county, state and national championships with the Blue Devil indoor and outdoor track teams and regardless of where he’s competed or who he has battled for top honors, he’s always returned back home with more friends than when he left.
Leake was recruited by some big name colleges and coaches, but when he sat down with his parents to make a final decision about where he would be going next fall, one name rose to the top of the list: Georgetown University.
The Huntington teenager is an extraordinary sprinter, jumper and relay runner and the owner of some of the fastest times in the nation. He’s also an exceptional young man. Just ask his teachers, coaches and classmates.
“You’re not going to find a better person or anyone in the country that will outwork Lawrence Leake,” said Huntington head coach Ronald Wilson. “He’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever coached; by far.”
Leake plans to study business management or finance at Georgetown. He hopes to eventually work as a chief executive officer or in some other capacity as a company leader.
Huntington senior Lawrence Leake.
“I’m extremely excited about going to Georgetown; I have only heard great things about it,” Leake said. “I would like to thanks my parents for always encouraging me. I’d also like to thank all of my teachers for staying on me to get all my work done, which will now allow me to go to such a good academic school as Georgetown. Finally, I want to thank all my coaches in every sport for always pushing me to do my best.”
The teenager has played football and lacrosse for the Blue Devils, but he’s most widely known for his remarkable performances in both indoor and outdoor track and field. He can literally do it all.
The senior chose Georgetown because it combines a good track program with highly regarded academics. “Being able to say that I graduated from one of the top schools in the country sounds great,” Leake said.
The teenager said he will always remember Huntington’s coaching staff “and the way the school comes together when it is needed.” He has many fans on the faculty and among the 1,600 students at the school and Leake moves easily around the building with a smile on his face.
The Huntington star has used stiff competition to his benefit, citing Hauppauge middle distance runner Nick Crocciata for pushing him in the 600m run this past winter and the 800m run outdoors. “Both sets of parents were always at the meets congratulating the boys on great performances,” Wilson said.
Larry and Linda Leake are proud parents. “They’ve been absolutely fantastic to work with,” Wilson said. “Lawrence and his brother, Jared are two of the finest young men this high school has ever produced.”
In two short months, Lawrence Leake will graduate. He’ll head off to Georgetown with high hopes and dreams. But don’t be surprised if you see him back in his hometown when he completes his studies.
“I haven’t given it much thought, but I would love for my kids to grow up in Huntington,” Leake said.
Voted by Suffolk track coaches as one of the county’s top five athletes, Leake has captured the respect of everyone in the track community. He’s already earned All-League, All-County, All-Long Island and All-State honors this year and he is hoping to add more accomplishments as the spring championship season approaches.
Ohio State, Purdue, Buffalo and several others made a pitch to Leake, but the teenager liked what he saw at Georgetown and made a connection with the Hoyas’ associate head coach, Alton McKenzie.
“Coach McKenzie is excited about Lawrence,” Wilson said. “He brings a ton of sprinting pedigree to Georgetown. Lawrence is going to do well both academically and athletically. Georgetown is tough and rigid academically, but Lawrence is up for the challenge. We are positive he made the right choice.”
