Authored by Luke Thibeault
It was the year 2016, and LeBron James was on top of the world, defeating the 73-9 Warriors down in the series 3-1. More importantly, the Oliver Ames Tigers were racing the Scarlet Hawks of Milford. Freshman phenom Chukwubuikem Akanegbu was getting ready to to run the hundred meter dash. Right off the bat he was feeling great and was speeding through the straight away. Feeling very winded, yet relieved he came in first. Coach Sunderland later told Chucky, he had tied the record with a current Oliver Ames sophomore at the time. Only one other freshman has hit that 11.60 seconds time, making Chucky tied for the fastest 100m dash by a freshman in Oliver Ames History. Since then Chucky Akanegbu has gone down as an Oliver Ames legend. When most people hear the name “Nigerian Freak” they think of star basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, but everyone at Oliver Ames High School knows the “Nigerian Freak” as Chukwubuikem Mmadaubuchukwu Akanegbu.
Though he felt down after getting cut from the freshman basketball team, Chucky found a light at the end of the tunnel with the influence of his sister Chisom, current track stud, and one of the track coaches, Mr. Darling. Chisom was a dominant force for Oliver Ames setting many records and is now on the track team for Regis College already setting records there. Chucky exclaimed, “I know that it is hard to follow in my sister’s shadow, but if I am half the athlete she is then I will be successful.” After running that first race he realized that he was really good at it and he could succeed in the sport.
Sadly during his junior year he suffered a torn hamstring and was unable to participate in the Hockomock and the state meets. Chucky chose to forgo his rehab and just rest instead, which to day this day is his only regret in life, because he re-injured his hamstring this fall working out getting ready for winter track.
After his junior year he was voted as a captain for the winter and spring track team. With great leadership and hard work he was able to achieve his goals since freshman year and following in his sister’s footsteps to become a captain of one of the track teams, but he was able to become both. Chucky declared “Chisom really pushed me to work hard and track and to hopefully one day be better than she was.”
For Chucky running is a way to fill his time, but to also get away from his problems in work, school, and just life. Before leaving his job a the Big Y he would go for a nice run, after dealing with customers that think that the cashier can change all of the prices. Chucky exclaimed, “This is the main reason left this job, I like people, but at some point I started to dislike customers more than I liked them.” Chucky understands that moving on is a part of life that you just have to deal with. His best friend ever since he moved to the town of Easton at the age of 5, has recently moved made a big decision leaving Chucky and going to the prestigious Thayer Academy. Though they still stay in touch they have certainly grown apart and he is able to live with it.
While Chucky’s sister was a huge influence on him in track, he understands that it is not everything. His mother helped spark his interest in the medical field. Chucky has his eyes set on becoming a pharmacist and is willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Chucky firmly believes that education is the number one focus. As of right now Chucky’s number one option is the University of Purdue, because of their excellent pharmaceutical program. Chucky insisted “My interest in a pharmaceutical field really came together when I realized that there are careers that involve science, but that I can also help people and I found my biggest interest in pharmacy.” Though he considered going to school for track, ultimately he decided that his education was more important and can get him further than track ever could.
Chucky Akanegbu is a man of many skills, challenge him on the field or in the books you will always lose.