Newberry Celebrates Kegan Crowell’s Historic Athletic Accomplishments
NEWBERRY – Excitement buzzes through the halls of Newberry College as Kegan Crowell continues to make history in athletics. Not only did he become the first athlete to win two South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championships in one season in different sports, but he also recently reached a monumental milestone by being the first track and field athlete from Newberry College to compete at the NCAA national championships.
This past season, Crowell showcased his incredible talent by achieving a remarkable 53.21-meter (174 feet 7 inches) throw in the discus, which secured him a spot in the finals and ultimately earned him All-American honors, placing him seventh overall.
The Growing Track and Field Program
As a dedicated athlete, Kegan highlighted the positive trajectory of the track and field program at Newberry College. “I know we had a lot of athletes make the provisional mark for nationals,” he shared. “A lot of people do not understand that just because you are considered a national qualifier does not mean you go to nationals.” He noted that while around 18 athletes hit the provisional mark, only a select few made it to the national competition.
Crowell’s ambition was to achieve national qualification this season. He expressed confidence in his journey midway through the outdoor season, stating, “Going in — leading up to a week or two before — in my head, it was just another meet. I was not trying to overplay it in my head.” His focus maintained steadfastness and determination, all while embracing the excitement that turned into a fulfilling experience at nationals.
A Football Journey to Track stardom
Before stepping onto the track, Crowell had a successful football career at Beaufort High School. “I was a football kid all through my time at school.” However, recruitment for football wasn’t high. After persistent encouragement from his high school football coach, who also coached track, Crowell decided to try his hand at track and field his senior year.
“I was going to do wrestling instead of track… but it just was not for me,” he recalled. This led him to track, where he unexpectedly discovered a passion for the sport that drove him to state competitions, where he placed second in discus, losing only to a teammate.
From Division III to National Competitor
Once he received a call from Newberry during the fledgling years of their track program, Crowell was excited for the opportunity to play both football and pursue track. “I said (to Coach Todd Knight), I’m coming here for track and field, but I want to play football as well,” shared Crowell. The college made it possible, allowing him to thrive in both sports through his college years.
Diving deep into his training, Crowell focused on the technical aspects of throwing while refining his skills through practice. “Throwing is super technical, but at the same time, it is simple,” he explained. He noted how practice would start on Mondays, training for hours to improve and master the technique. “In my head, I’m not going to leave when I get it right; I’m going to leave when I cannot get it wrong,” he emphasized.
A Legacy of Hard Work
Former director of track and field, Jimmy Stephens, remarked on the remarkable qualities Crowell possesses, including intensity, tenacity, and drive. “That intensity is what got him where he is, and got the program where it is,” Stephens noted, celebrating the growth of the track program over the years.
Coach Mashario Morton echoed these sentiments, praising Crowell’s grit and commitment as a true competitor. “Kegan was a man on a mission since the season began,” he said, affirming that Crowell’s hard work serves as a significant example for others in the program.
Inspiring Future Athletes
Crowell leaves behind a powerful statement for aspiring athletes: “If you set out to do something, it does not matter what you have or do not have, you can still do it just as well as everyone else.” He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, regardless of the circumstances.
As Kegan Crowell reflects on his key achievements, he not only honors his accomplishments but also inspires future generations to chase their dreams with unwavering determination. Newberry College couldn’t be prouder to call him one of their own!
