This Week’s Athlete of the Week comes from the Buchtel Griffins’ outstanding track and field team: senior runner Kachay Hullum.

Hullum holds several running records, has first-place finishes in big meets in Youngstown and recently signed a letter of intent to run for Ohio State University starting next year.

“I train hard,” Hullum said, referring to her accomplishments in track. “My dad got me started and I realized I loved the sport right away.”

Hullum split her time between the Buchtel and Firestone track and field teams, but the two years (sophomore and junior) at Firestone were hampered by a nagging leg injury. “I injured my hamstring in my sophomore year and never really got going, but the injury is a nonissue now,” she said. 

Hullum runs the 200-meter dash and the 400 for the Griffins, and sometimes the 100 as well. “I really like the 200 -- it is short but not too short as I can get my speed up.”

 

Hullum, who was born and raised in Akron, learned a lot from her dad, Todd, who was also a runner. “He showed me the way,” she said.

Dad is not the only influence on her career: She has looked up to LeBron James since she was a young athlete. “I’ve looked up to him on and off the playing surface,” she said.

 

Hullum thinks her team has a shot at a state championship this year. 
 

“Our team when I was in ninth grade was pretty special as we won it all that year, but I think this team has a chance – we’re real good,” Hullum said. “Being part of that team was something else.”

 

She is not sure at this point what she plans to study at OSU, but one thing is for sure: She will run.

 

TV show:  American Idol

Movie:  Love and Basketball

Pizza:  “Just cheese”

IPod:  Anything by Lil Wayne

Hobbies:  Singing

Bucket list:  I would like to learn to snow ski.