Senior Kutingala Aims to Lead Tide
9/17/2008 12:00:00 AM
Sept. 17, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Abraham Kutingala is one of six foreign athletes on the Alabama squad in 2008. He is part of the same group of athletes that have gone to the NCAA Championships and came back with the highest finish in Alabama cross country history. Kutingala has only one more chance to make history at The University of Alabama and that is his goal.
Kutingala is a senior who wants to lead by example. He wants to lead his teammates, peers, and even those who don't see him everyday back home in Kenya. Kutingala, who played soccer in high school, has started a soccer club for young men in Kenya in hopes it he could influence them to do something other than lying around not doing anything.
"Individually, my goal this season is that I want to be a leader of this team," Kutingala said. "As a senior, I want to be in that position, run well, train hard, and be a role model."
Kutingala understands there are expectations competing in the United States including being able to balance his student studies and competing as an athlete. However, balance and discipline are two things Kutingala is very capable of in everyday life and competition.
"Back home, we had to leave really early to run to school and then run home after school. Nobody made me run, it's just part of life in Kenya," Kutingala said. "I like racing the 10,000 meters because you know where you are and you know where you're going so you can balance your effort and fuel."
The goals and expectations for this cross country team and Kutingala have been set high as of late. The Crimson Tide feels like they should have been atop the podium at the SEC Championships in 2007 but unfortunately had some other issues that kept them from competing with their best squad. The team still brought home a team finish of third. This year is different and they want to bring home the SEC Championship and possibly even a NCAA Championship.
"I think we have another chance and we are much stronger than last year," Kutingala said. "I also think we have a shot at the national title if we remain healthy."
Kutingala, a three-time All-SEC and All-South Region performer in cross country, and the Crimson Tide will continue their 2008 campaign for the elusive titles when they host the 20th Annual Crimson Classic on Sept. 20 at the Harry Pritchett Cross Country Course. The men will race 8,000 meters and toe the line at 8:45 a.m.
