Racing Faith: Beyond the Finish Line: Pt.2
As promised here is part two of my blog series Racing Faith: Beyond the Finish Line: Pt.2
I'm thrilled to introduce to you Ryan Williams an incredible student I've had the privilege of mentoring and coaching at Oakwood University – Check out his story below!
Meet Ryan Williams (to the right)
Introduction:
Hey everyone, it's Ryan Williams here! I'm excited to share my track and field journey with you and give you a glimpse into the twists and turns that brought me to Oakwood University.
My Track and Field Beginnings:
I started my journey in track and field back in my sophomore year of high school, about four years ago. It all began as a way for me to cope with the challenges life threw at me, particularly a major move to Florida due to my mother's illness. Track became my anchor during this turbulent time, providing a space to clear my mind and focus on something positive.
A Promising Start:
Early on, my dedication to running paid off, and I ran an impressive 5:08 mile in my first track meet before the pandemic hit. With my cousin, who had competed in the Olympics, as my coach, I felt a sense of purpose and potential in pursuing this sport.
Twists in the Running Path:
Despite achieving notable milestones, such as an 800m mark of 1:58.24 and a 5k at 15:48, I hit a point where something was missing. It wasn't until I realized that true fulfillment came from my faith in Jesus that I understood the void. Balancing athletic pursuits with my spiritual beliefs led me to step away from running for about five months.
A Divine Connection:
Fast forward to my freshman year at Oakwood University, and that's where I met Elek King, the leader of the track club. This encounter was an answered prayer, reigniting my passion for running and sparking a vision to turn the track and field club into a fully-fledged team.
My Vision for the Track and Field Club:
I've got big dreams for this club. I envision it evolving into a powerhouse team at Oakwood, tapping into the incredible talent within our HBCU community. Creating revenue for the school and providing Seventh Day Adventists the chance to pursue their running dreams at the collegiate level is what keeps me motivated.
The Reason for the Club's Existence:
This club is more than just running; it's about community, fitness, and progress. We want to provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents, learn from experienced runners, and participate in events that bring our Oakwood community together.
Conclusion:
So, that's a bit about my journey in track and field at Oakwood University. I'm thrilled to be a part of this incredible community, and I can't wait to see where this track and field club takes us. Stay tuned for more updates as we sprint towards our goals together!
I hope you guys were inspired by Ryan’s story! As we embark on this journey, we have launched a campaign to start a track and field team here at Oakwood University. If you would like to donate, click the link below and let's make an impact in the lives of these students. 👉🏾 Team Funded
LR
