When Terrence Warren learned about his induction into Hampton University’s Athletics Hall of Fame back in November, his first thoughts and thanks went to all the people who helped him as a track and football athlete, as well as a student and young man.

It was fitting for Warren to share the induction ceremony, on Jan. 14 on Hampton’s campus, with two of his former John F. Kennedy High coaches and mentors.

Arniece Monroe, JFK’s track and field coach, and John Kendale, JFK’s football coach, were there to see one of their students accept the honor. Warren was one of five past Pirate stars inducted into this class, the second annual class named into HU’s Hall of Fame.

“The biggest part of this, for me, is not that it’s a celebration of my accomplishments, but a way to pay homage to those who guided me and gave me a chance to develop,” Warren said. “I can’t take credit without giving them credit.”

In high school and collegiately, Warren always considered himself a track athlete first and a football player after that.

At John F. Kennedy, Warren won five state championships, the 100 and 200 his junior year and a sprint sweep, the 100, 200 and 400, in his senior season, 1988. Warren’s 200-meter time (21.1 seconds) is still the state record and he co-owns the 100-meter state record at 10.4 seconds.

Warren’s only one of many outstanding track and field athletes Monroe led.

“There are not enough words to say to tell about the influence she’s had on my life,” Warren said.

“She groomed a lot of young men to go on and do great and positive things,” he said. “The list goes on and on of the men she steered into college because of her mentorship and direction.”

Monroe’s believed to be the only female to coach a boys team to a state championship in Virginia high school sports history. Monroe coached the 1984 and ’85 JFK track teams to the Group AA state title.

As a Pirate, Warren led HU to three top-three team finishes in the NCAA Division II National Championships. He was an 11-time All-American and won the national title in the 200 in 1990 (20.67 seconds) and 1991 (20.65).

Kendale encouraged Warren to come out on the gridiron for JFK and again while already at Hampton.

“He encouraged me to play. I wasn’t a natural football player, but he took the time to teach me the game,” Warren said.

Warren walked on to the Pirate football squad as a sophomore. In three seasons he averaged 25.8 yards per reception as a wide receiver and was one of the best kick/punt returners in the country. As a receiver and returner, he totaled 10 touchdowns in his senior season.

Warren was the first Pirate football player invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He was drafted in the fifth round by Seattle. He played with the Seahawks, San Francisco and Jacksonville in his NFL career.

“Those ultimately selected for induction earned the right to be hall of famers by the distinction they brought, not only to the University, but to college athletics in general,” said Charles Wooding, chairman of Hampton’s Athletics Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

“When I entered Hampton, I wanted to live up to the expectation that when I left, they would be proud to have me be part of the student body.” Warren said.