athlete Jamahl Burke. Courtesy | Jamahl Burke
Freshman Jamahl Burke recently received the Greater Midwest Athletic Conference award and was named the G-MAC Athlete of the Week in track and field for the week of Feb. 15. The recognition came after he received the second fastest time in the conference in the 400m race on Friday Feb. 12.
This would be an impressive feat for any athlete, but it’s particularly noteworthy for Burke, who has only been with the program for a semester.
Head Track Coach Andrew Towne has been working with Burke throughout the year and said he couldn’t be more proud of his recent victory.
“Jamahl has been great to work with,” Towne said. “His future is very bright.”
Burke’s athletic family aren’t the only ones excited about his award. A member of Gallway Residence, Burke’s dorm community has also expressed their support for him.
Galloway House Mom JoAnn Arendt praised his focus.
“Jamahl’s a good student,” Arendt said. “It’s good to have him in the dorm. He’s very focused on what he has to do and I love to cheer him on.”
Despite the accolades, Burke said he already has his eyes on the next goal.
“I was aiming for a lot faster,” Burke said. “But it was a bit rewarding to know that your efforts are paying off. The whole thing brought me back to earth, and I’m reminded to celebrate the small victories.”
Burke said he is thankful for the work of those around him and feels proud to have earned this distinction on their behalf.
“I’d like to thank Coach Andrew Towne — he’s the one who has me in shape for the 400 — and all my teammates who keep encouraging me,” Burke said.
