WASHINGTON (April 7, 2020) – Howard University sophomore advertising major Kennedy Lewis continued the 2019-20 Senior Profile series with DMV native and track teammate Oluchi Ike (Upper Marlboro, Md.), asking 10 questions.
 
Q: What's your favorite part of track?
A: There's so much to love! I love the competition, especially winning. I love seeing my improvement each year. I love traveling for track meets while bonding with my teammates. The relationships you build through track last a lifetime.
 
Q: How did you get started in track?
A: I watched track for the first time during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and I enjoyed it. That fall, I decided to try out in high school.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: For a sport like track, self-motivation is extremely necessary; however, seeing other athletes perform well motivates me because I drive myself to be better.
 
Q: If you were not competing in track, what other sport would you do?
A: If I didn't compete in track, I would've stuck with basketball.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: I don't have just one favorite athlete because I'm a fan of so many. But, some of them include Dalilah Muhammad, Shaunae Miller, and Nia Ali.
 
I'm a fan of these women because they each overcame some type of adversity to become champions in their respective events. They exemplify hard work and perseverance while being extremely humble.
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: Most definitely, my favorite memories come from HU Homecoming during my junior and senior years.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I plan on going to grad school to get my doctorate degree in physical therapy.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I'll miss my teammates and coaches for sure! I'll also miss my "pedestrian" friends (lol) and a few professors.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: My best advice is to always plan ahead and be proactive when it comes to your future. Howard grants you a lot of networking opportunities, so definitely use it to your advantage.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I would like to thank everyone that played a role in my success, from my coaches, my teammates, and my competitors.
 
Of course, I must thank God for always giving me the faith and mental strength to keep going, especially through the tough times.
 
About Ike
 
Before her arrival to The Hilltop, Ike held a pair of school records at C.H. Flowers High School in the women's 400 hurdles and indoor 800 hurdles. Following in her father and brother footsteps, she chose Howard because of its academic excellence.
 
Ike had a breakout campaign during her junior year, winning the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women's 400 Hurdles Title while advancing to the NCAA East Preliminary Round.
 
Academically, the Maryland native excelled off the track, earning MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team three times. Last season, Ike was selected to the 2018-19 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team.
 
In May 2020, Ike graduates from Howard after majoring in health science and plans to attend grad school to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.