"I gained a lot of experience being in different races with different strategies and race situations. Competing at the World Championships was amazing. Competing in the prelim and final were two very different races, both of which I hadn't experienced before. I learned a lot from that. I'm excited to have had that experience, especially going into this year as an Olympic year, with the Olympic aspirations that I have. I have a lot of confidence that I can compete with the best in the world."
BYU’s Kenneth Rooks, the 2023 NCAA steeplechase champion and the U.S. champion, has decided to forego the remainder of his NCAA eligibility to turn professional and has signed a contract with Nike.
He plans to stay in Utah under coach Ed Eyestone and will train alongside Conner Mantz and Clayton Young.
Rooks was one of the NCAA’s breakout stars in 2023. He caught the attention of many with an 8:17.62 win over George Beamish and ‘22 U.S. champion Hillary Bor at the On Track Nights: Los Angeles meet in May. He backed up that performance by winning the NCAA title a month later in Austin, Texas. At the U.S. Championships. Rooks went viral after falling during the race but managed to recover in the closing stages to win in a personal best of 8:16.78. The video of that race has been watched nearly half a million times on YouTube.
At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Rooks made his debut for Team USA by beating out Olympic champion and reigning world champion Soufiane El Bakkali in the prelims. Rooks went on to take 10th in the final.
Rooks says there were opportunities to turn pro after the summer but he chose to return to BYU for one more cross country season. We reflect on his BYU career, the highlights of 2023 and what it was like going so viral outside of the track world and into the greater sports world. Plus, a few stories of his mission in Uganda.
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Hillary Bor is an accomplished middle-distance and steeplechase runner from the United States, known for specializing in the 3000 meters steeplechase. He has represented the U.S. at multiple international competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, and has been a consistent presence in national competitions, often finishing on the podium.
Conner Mantz is an elite American long-distance runner known for his exceptional performances in cross country and track events. He gained national fame as a two-time NCAA Division I Cross Country champion in 2020 and 2021, representing Brigham Young University (BYU). Mantz has also competed in various distance events, showcasing his versatility and endurance.
Soufiane El Bakkali is a prominent Moroccan middle-distance runner specializing in the 3000 meters steeplechase. He gained international recognition after winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and securing numerous podium finishes at World Championships and Diamond League events.
Kenneth Rooks is an American track and field athlete specializing in the steeplechase. Known for his competitive performances, Rooks has made a significant impact in collegiate athletics, showcasing his talent in various national and international events.
