Wick Park haven for workouts

Rocky Balboa, move over.
Watching Quran Ali work out in Wick Park is an interesting sight.
The 54-year-old Ali, a mechanic/trucker, goes through his running and shadow-boxing routine almost daily under the shady trees inside the square-mile mecca that covers Youngstown's lower North Side.
If Ali added a jog up the steps of Stambaugh Auditorium to his regimen, the famous "Rocky" movie scenes would be kid's stuff.
But Quran isn't trying to emulate anyone or break into films.
For him, physical fitness satisfies several needs.
"You see people riding in their shiny automobiles," he said. "They spend time and money to make them look good. But they won't put that time into their bodies. I want my body in tip-top condition because I don't know when it'll be needed."
Ali forms another analogy.
"Ask people if they smoke in church. They say no. So, I'll ask, 'Why do that to your body?' "
The self
Along with his conditioning that includes weightlifting, Ali -- a disciple of Bruce Lee -- said he teaches boxing, martial arts and meditation.
"I teach anything that develops the self -- mentally, physically or spiritually."
It's been said that former NFL running back Barry Sanders sharpened his skills in street traffic.
Quran says he walks along railroad tracks to improve his balance.
The 5-11, 210-pounder formerly known as Lawrence Burkes Jr. is originally from Brownsville, Pa. He learned the art of defense from his father.
"He was in the military and boxed. When I was young, I used to work out with him and he taught me how to box. He used to drive a truck and haul produce in the late 50s and 60s. I used to help him lift. I got into it and how that's how I developed my body."
Quran's fanaticism for fitness is also a diversion.
He's channeled a nay into a yea.
"I like to work with youth to let them know there's more to life than getting high and killing oneself on cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. Get the body and mind together. Do something beneficial. I was there back in the day. I learned from experience. If somebody offers you drugs, they're offering to kill you. I ain't going that way."
In anticipation of the unexpected, Ali says he's been tested quite a few times.
"I'd say I came out pretty victoriously. I didn't hurt anybody badly, but I defended myself and kept them at bay and let them know what I'm all about. Once they find out, nobody messes with me. I try to get along with everyone. It don't matter who they are."
Another
Ali isn't the only one using Wick for his well-being.
Elus Abdulsalaam, 60, likes the outer sidewalk, the 7/8-mile inner track and the tennis courts.
Now that his roadracing days are over, Elus has a different motive.
"I try to keep my legs in shape for tennis," Abdulsalaam said. "That why I exercise."
He'll run a couple miles three times a week.
"I learned how to play tennis at Wick Park. I started by hitting balls with guys who knew how to play. Then I watched and read more."
Although he plays his tennis at Volney Rogers courts in Mill Creek Park, Wick is for workouts.
"I practice strokes and serves and do court exercises at Wick. It's my training ground."
Abdulsalaam, originally from Columbus, has noticed an increase in park visitors.
"I'm glad to see more young people using it for exercise. I'd say it's tripled or quadrupled over the 20 years I've been around. It's old and young, morning and evenings."
He said it's used by YSU students, Caucasians and Afro-Americans and older individuals who may be rehabbing for health."
"I'm seeing more and more and I think that's good."
Abdulsalaam, formerly named Goodwin, works at Thomas Steel in Warren. He enjoyed the French Open and now awaits Wimbledon.
Granted, Wick Park has its share of derelicts, but there are more Alis and Abdulsalaams than Dr. Jekylls and Mr. Hydes.
Take it from Elus Abdulsalaam: "It's one of the nicer things in Youngstown and people should be proud of it."
XJohn Bassetti is a sports reporter for The Vindicator. Write to him at bassetti@vindy.com.