Victorious again

Chelanga wins second title

Mkimbiaji is the Kinswhahili noun for “runner.” For instance, native Kenyan and Liberty senior cross country sensation Sam Chelanga is a mkimbiaji.

For the second year in a row, Chelanga was named national cross country Athlete of the Year after winning  NCAA championships in 2009 and 2010.

With the combined efforts of Chelanga and former cross country runner Josh McDougal, Liberty won three of the last four men’s national cross country championships.

Chelanga emphasized the importance of this accomplishment.  He said the cross country team is competing with all the big schools in America.

“We are more announced now,” Chelanga said. “When you win nationals you have something to be proud of.”

Chelanga said McDougal has been his friend for years and played a big role in his decision to come to Liberty.  When Chelanga asked him questions about schools in America, McDougal told him about Liberty.  Chelanga was attracted to Liberty’s mission and beliefs.

Chelanga previously ran for Fairleigh Dickinson University his freshman year before redshirting during his sophomore “residency” year after transferring to Liberty.

“It was challenging,” Chelanga said. “I (had not) competed before I came (to America).”

There was a lot to learn about Liberty, competing and balancing schoolwork and training.  He had never competed prior to college, but Chelanga said he trained a lot.  He said his relationships with friends helped him adjust to American culture and college life.

“(I have) met good people here,” Chelanga said. “(That is) what keeps (me) at peace.”

Chelanga’s slender 5’7” profile does not epitomize most people’s stereotype of a Division I athlete, but he has proven himself to be one of the greatest athletes in the nation.

He won his first national cross-country championship in 2009 and was able to defend his title this season in Terre Haute, Ind.

“This year was more challenging,” Chelanga said. “(It is) always hard to defend a title.”

Chelanga said defending the title is important to solidify his claim as champion.

“If you fail it looks like a fluke,” Chelanga said. “(Winning a second time) sends a strong signal that you are consistent.”

Beyond disciplining himself in what he calls the little things, Chelanga does not think of his daily routine as extraordinary.

Chelanga’s exercise schedule varies depending on the time of year.  During the warmer months, he runs a high mileage routine — 80 to 100 miles a week. He says he runs less during the colder months, but still hits 70 miles a week.

Besides his strenuous exercise schedule, Chelanga said he tries to avoid junk food, eats a lot of carbohydrates, and gets to bed before midnight. Upon his graduation in May with a government degree, Chelanga plans on running professionally.

“(I am) probably going to find a group in America that fits my training and join them,” Chelanga said.

Next outdoor season Chelanga wants to come back to Liberty and try to run a mile in less than four minutes.  He said it is hard for spectators to see his longer races but a race that lasts less than four minutes will give the student body a chance to see him run.