According to Redwood Empire Running – Willie Harrison held track and field records in sprinting the 100 yard dash in 9.7 seconds and the 220 yard dash in 21.4 seconds during his senior year at Hogan High School in 1963 in Vallejo, CA. If you put this in perspective, the Olympic world record in 1962 was set at 9.35 seconds for the 100 yard dash.
Willie said that the field ref timed him for the 100 yard dash at 9.5 seconds. Someone in the stands clocked him at 9.7 seconds. They used the latter as the official time. Nevertheless, that placed him as the only sprinter from Hogan High School to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) state championships. On the day of the championship event he suffered leg cramps and was unable to run the race. He competed against Tommie Smith, the man who held his fist in the air during the 1968 Olympics. The winner that day ran a 9.6 followed by Tommie Smith who ran a 9.7.
Willie received a scholarship to Vallejo Community College (now Solano College). He tried out for the track team there and ran 60 yards in 6.1 seconds. By then Willie said he had no interest in competing anymore. After the coach “cussed him out” he left track and field never to return. Back in 1963 there was no money/sponsorships in sprinting.
A talented athlete, Willie also played basketball and football in high school.