Fitchburg State's Valcourt grows into steeplechase

Courtesey of Monique Walker March 30, 2009; Boston Globe

Any athlete who competes in the steeplechase is courageous in the mind of Fitchburg State coach Jim Jellison. The event is very demanding: 36-inch high hurdles are placed throughout a course that includes water pits that can be frosty.

KEON VALCOURT

And when Jellison was seeking an athlete for the event four years ago, he looked to Brockton native Keon Valcourt, a runner who was among the quietest on the team.

The 2005 Brockton graduate has thrived in the event throughout his college career. Most recently, he was selected the men's outdoor track athlete of the week in the MASCAC for winning the 3,000 meter steeplechase at Northeastern's Husky Invitational.

Valcourt ran the event in 10 minutes, 19.76 seconds. His goal this season is to drop the time to under 10 minutes and to win an individual league title and help the Falcons grab a team title.

"He came in as a really quiet, introspective kid," Jellison said. "You never would have thought he would be the leader he's become. He's always been a good runner and every year matured and matured. He is a hard worker, a conscientious student, never misses a practice, and works his tail off."

An ideal candidate for the steeplechase is someone who has endurance and can master hurdling. They also have to be able to gain momentum out of the water, according to Jellison.

Valcourt seemed open to trying the event as a freshman, even though his primary high school experience was in middle distance running. Valcourt, who is also a cross-country and indoor runner, grew to love the steeplechase.

Valcourt had to work in time to train around his busy schedule. He is studying for a degree in exercise science and at times works three jobs to pay for school. He splits his time working in the school's recreational department, substitute teaching, and delivering pizzas. He never misses a meet, but he has to be creative if he misses a practice.

"There will be a couple of days where I can't make it to practice, and I will either wake up early in the morning to get my workout in or sometimes do it at night," Valcourt said. "Sometimes my teammates . . . will get out of their practice to help me, so I'm not always running on my own."

Jellison said it has been rewarding to watch Valcourt come into his own the past few years.

Valcourt said he is shy and takes time to get to know people, but he feels more comfortable now.

"He loves to run and when he wins, he has a big smile on his face," Jellison said. "He doesn't raise his arms and flaunt it at the kids behind him. He just smiles and keeps it going."

Monique Walker can be reached at mwalker@globe.com.