“Coach [Bertram] Lovell really helped me a lot coming to Grambling State, getting over here to the states and getting into school. Grambling has been teaching me and changing me by learning many things I didn’t know, good ethics and code of conduct.”
WESLEY LOVE/The Gramblinite
Cross-country star Hassan Chepkwony of Kenya finished third in his first race for Grambling. The true freshman hopes to one day be an Olympian.
Hassan Chepkwony, a true freshman from Eldoret, Kenya, is no doubt the leader for the freshman class. This comes from within his work ethic, state of mind, and composure for his academics and athleticism.
Chepkwony has numerous Top 5 finishes this season, with his best time being 25.55 minutes. His specialty is the 8K.
He is studying electronic engineering and speaks three languages.
Why did he choose Grambling? This wasn’t the only school looking for an athlete of his caliber.
“I have a good family feel from Grambling,” said Chepkwony. “The coaches, the team, it is the best. When coming from home, I like running and I want to represent Grambling because Grambling is there for me and I don’t let anybody down. So I run hard, and study hard.
Coach Bertram Lovell
“I like seeing people around me happy,” he said.
An exceptional athlete knows there is something behind the determined goals they have.
“Back home I wanted to go to a university, but I was not an ‘A’ student. My dad motivates me to run a lot his says run harder study harder,” said Chepkwony.
He makes his dad proud, and is focus by all means he wants to accomplish his goals. He isn’t involved in any other organizations activities, or clubs. He is just getting used to his freshman year.
He has just been practicing and didn’t start training cross-country until 2012.
“I got serious in 2014 when I knew I was coming to school,” said Chepkwony.
His first race for Grambling, he placed third.
“I was so tired I remember running alone in first place and the guys I passed, passed me,” said Chepkwony.
From then on he knew he had to learn techniques that were to stick with his team first. To support himself through the races he trains himself to run with his team and encourage them so that there is no one to be left behind.
His main goal is to help his team get to the top, to be SWAC champions.
“I want to continue to run to get my time down, to one day run in the Olympics. I love American people and the universities. The next meet in Mississippi and I’m ready for the SWAC championship.
“I look forward to winning it,” said Chepkwony.