Seawolf track star named US Athlete of the Week
by Matt Jardin |
World-class athlete 鈥� that is the nickname given to Seawolf track and field runner and UAA computer science sophomore by his father. The nickname is becoming more and more fitting, as Caleb was recently named Div. II by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association after he delivered a record-breaking performance at his season opener.
鈥淭his honor for me is one huge step,鈥� said Caleb. 鈥淚t puts UAA track and field on the map and is also calling the attention of the NCAA. And this is just the season opener. There are more to come for sure.鈥�
On Friday, Jan. 10, at the Silver and Blue Invitational in Reno, Nevada, Caleb broke a 30-year-old African U20 record in the 60-meter dash, clocking in a time of 6.57 seconds, besting the previous record of 6.58 seconds set by Ibrahim Meit茅 of the Ivory Coast on Feb. 13, 1994.
Then, during the 200-meter dash, Caleb turned one lap in 20.86 seconds, which sits atop the All-College Descending Order List by 0.07 seconds. His mark is also second on the Nigerian U20 all-time chart behind a 28-year-old best of 20.57 seconds established by Francisco Obikwelu.
"Josh had a great first year for us, but he wasn't satisfied with how either national meet went," said Ray Shadowens, UAA associate head coach. "Since then, he has been working his tail off to improve in any way he can, be it strength, fitness or his technique. I think it's safe to say it's paying off."
From Okrika, Nigeria, Caleb competed in track and field events as early as primary school, but only started training seriously when he was a teenager with coaching from his father, a former kickboxer.
In addition to the coaching from his father, Caleb credits his brother for inspiring him to major in computer science. Noting the rising ubiquity of artificial intelligence, he hopes to use his education to pursue a career in the industry after his time in track and field.
Aspiring to become a professional track and field athlete, Caleb recognized the need to compete in the U.S. After connecting with an athletic recruiting agency in Germany, he received an offer from UAA to join the Seawolves, drawn by the program's strong coaching system. As a bonus, Caleb would find just as much motivation from his fellow teammates.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not always about practicing hard, it鈥檚 sometimes about how happy you are,鈥� said Caleb. 鈥淭he friends I鈥檝e made here have had so much impact in my life 鈥� they're part of the reason I run this fast.鈥�
