We read so often about student-athletes who don’t take the first part of the hyphenate seriously. I’m not as judgmental about that sort of thing as others might be, but I will say it’s refreshing to hear about a kid who finds the will to play hard and study hard. Then there are the 20-somethings that I must, frankly, look up to, because they cram even more good work into each day.
One such person is Victor Ojeleye. The 6'6" forward was never a huge on-court contributor at Kansas State, but he played all four years and captained the team twice. His leadership by example extended to the classroom and beyond, as well. As a result, Ojeleye was honored with the 2012 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar award, which recognizes students who fit guidelines set forth in a KansasCity.com article:
Ojeleye fits the bill well. He was a locker-room leader for K-State’s most victorious senior class ever, and graduated from the university with a dual degree in accounting and finance.
As one might expect from one so honored, Ojeleye was humble and generous when accepting the prestigious award, saying: “This award is not something I would have ever dreamed of receiving, but because of God’s grace and the support of family, friends and K-State, I have been honored to receive it. I am truly in the company of great past recipients and I am fortunate to be able to represent my family with such a distinction. I am very thankful for this and appreciate it greatly. It is an honor and a privilege.”
Kudos to a true scholar-athlete.