When most track and field fans hear the names Leroy Burell, Carl Lewis or Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, they think of Olympic glory and world records. But for the track and field athletes of the University of Houston, the names take on a different meaning: coach.

Burrell is in his 16^th season as head coach at Houston, with Lewis in his second and McKenzie in her first as assistants.

Combined, the three own 14 Olympic medals, 11 of which are gold, and have broken several world and national records.

Surprisingly, having a super-star coaching staff doesn’t seem to faze Houston’s athletes, who will be competing on February 27 - 28 in the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships at the Armory's New Balanace Track and Field Center.

“I hope that they at least understand the amount of experience that my staff and I bring to the table,” said Burrell. “But I learned athletes don’t care about what you did as an athlete, they care about what you can do for them as an athlete.”

Cameron Burrell, Leroy’s son, took second in the 60-meter dash (6.69) and fourth in the 200-meter dash (21.64) at last year’s Championships. Though he has hopes of following in his father’s 100-meter world record breaking footsteps, he’ll likely sit out of this year’s meet after a recent injury.

“We have an All-Star team of coaches who bring all kinds of experience to the table,” said Cameron. “It’s a blessing to be a part of the program and I appreciate everything and anything the coaches can teach us.”

“It can be a bit tough because they train you like an Olympian, but it’s all fun,” added Tony Berks, who will compete in the triple jump at the Championships.

Houston will compete against Central Florida, Memphis, Temple, UConn, East Carolina, SMU, Tulane, South Florida and Tulsa at the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships on February 27 - 28.

You can find more information on the meet by checking: http://www.armorytrack.com/gprofile.php?mgroup_id=45586&do=view_event&event_id=8970