The University of Louisville Alumni Magazine: for alumni, faculty, staff, students and anyone that is a UofL Cardinal fan.
Issue link: https://louisville.epubxp.com/i/643329
2 2 | L O U I S V I L L E . E D U Athletics Cardinals athletes enter the Hall of Fame Six outstanding individuals were inducted into the University of Louisville Athletics Hall of Fame on October 23, in the Brown & Williamson Club of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. "It's a treat to have the opportunity to honor an exceptional group of individuals who have each contributed so much to the tradition of Cardinal Athletics," said UofL Vice President and Director of Athletics Tom Jurich. The track to success Running and perseverance get Edwin Kibichiy where he wants to go. Growing up in Kenya, Kibichiy would run every- where, including more than nine miles a day — in boots — to arrive at school on time. His home is located in a swamp, and there wasn't any other form of transportation other than his own two feet. When a cousin gave Kibichiy a pair of running shoes, that swamp is where his cross country career began. Before choosing UofL, Kibichiy learned about Wesley Korir, a fellow Kenyan, former UofL runner and Boston Mara- thon champion. Korir's achievements inspired Kibichiy's training and Kibichiy was determined to get to America to follow in Korir's fast footsteps. It wasn't easy. Kibichiy was denied a visa twice before f nally being granted one. He wanted to give up, but with support from the UofL track and f eld and cross country teams and coaching staff, he persevered and came to America. The challenges continued when Kibichiy arrived in his new country. American culture was puzzling — he didn't know how to use a computer and had trouble navigating directions. On top of acclimating to the U.S., Kibichiy's freshman year on the track didn't go as hoped — he had multiple stress fractures in his legs and could not compete. Despite all these ob- stacles, Kibichiy would not give up. Since his freshman season, he was named an All-American four times and is the defending ACC Champion in the Outdoor 3,000-meter Steeplechase, where he set an ACC Championship record in 2015. Kibichiy f nished third in the NCAA South- east Regional and 41st in the nation at the 2015 NCAA Cross Country Championships, helping the Cardinals earn 7th place — the best team f nish in school history. While proud of his athletics success, ultimately Kibichiy wants to go back to Kenya and use his public health major to better the lives of his family and others in his home country. "I would be a lost person if I didn't come to UofL," Kibichiy said. "Louisville has saved my life and given me a bright future that I look forward to." For the honorees, the event was a chance to remember their days in a Cardinals uniform, and also thank their former teammates, coaches and staff. "It was such an honor to play here and be a part of this university and play for the great Coach Crum," Crook said. "To the staff at UofL, they were — and still are — top notch from the academic staff to the athletic staff," Allman said. "Thank you for giving me the tools to succeed on and off the f eld." The inductees were also recognized at the Cardinals' Oct. 24 Homecoming football game against Boston College. 1 4 2 5 3 6 THE INDUCTEES INCLUDED 1. Deion Branch (2000-01), a receiver for the Cardinals' football team who later was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX 2. Herbert Crook (1984-88), a starting forward on UofL's 1986 NCAA Championship team who is among the Cardinals' career scoring and rebounding leaders 3. Sonya Gubaidulina Karmazin (1996-98), an All-American volleyball player for the Cardinals who is ninth in career kills at UofL 4. Christy Hershey Allman (2000-03), a four-year starter at goalkeeper for the Cardinals' fi eld hockey team and a two-time All-American 5. Mark Jurich (2001-04), an All-American outfi elder for the Cardinals who is among the career power-hitting leaders 6. Sara Nord (2000-04), the Cardinals' all-time assist leader in women's basketball