Freshman Peter Kosgei stretches at a track practice in February. Kosgei, a native of Kapsabet, Kenya, received a full cross country scholarship to Harding this year. (Photo by Amy Beene) 110 11 people Waiting in a line with more than 300 other people in August, freshman Peter Kosgei ktlew he might not be one of the lucky 30 to receive a visa from the American Embassy inNairobi, Kenya. Kosgei, a native of Kapsabet, Kenya, had dreamed of coming to Harding ever since he, as a boy, saw Dr. Monte Cox, assistant professor of Bible and director of the Center for World Missions, at Sang'ala, a local church. A leader of the Sang'alo church was Joseph Kituur, who lived a few huts down from Kosgei and later married Cox's sister, MaryAnn. potential as a long-distance runner. Struggling to get through school because of a lack of funding, the Kituurs, knowing of Kosgei's situation, raised enough money through the church for Kosgei to attend Chepkongony High School. It was there that missionaries from Harding realized his Kosgei's only hope of funding an education at Harding would be a cross country scholarship. Sohe sent in his running times to Steve Guymon, cross country coach. "Obviously, his talent is incredible," Guymon said. Guymon awarded Kosgei with a full nmning scholarship. Now the only obstacle that stood in Kosgei's way of coming to Harding was receiving a visa. "If he didn't get it at that particular time, he wouldn't have made it for the beginning of the cross country season or even school," Guymon said. Kosgei said by the will of God, he was one of the fortunate 30. "All roads have led to Harding for me," Kosgei said. "It is God's will that I made it here to Harding." After obtaining the funds and the visa, Kosgei had to get to the airport. However, that trip didn't even go smoothly. Joseph Kituur drove Kosgei to the airport. On the way, they were in a car accident. Everyone in the car was hurt except Kosgei, Cox said. "All roads have led to Harding for me. It's God's will that I made it here to Harding." -freshman Peter Kosgei "It was a miracle that Peter got to the airport when he did," Cox said. "The plane was about to take off without him." Kosgei got on the plane and made it to Little Rock. ' ''He barely knows conversational English or how to use our currency; it is a pure miracle how he got here," Cox said. "We didn't even know he had made it to the United States or even Little Rock until he called us to come pick him up at the airport." Since Kosgei has been at Harding, he has proven himself beyond expectation, Guymon said . At the national cross country championship, Kosgei finished third. "He came in as an unknown," Guymon said. "No freshman has ever placed that high." Guymon also said Kosgei's congenial spirit added to the cross country and track teams. "He has such a dynamic personality," Guymon said. "He's just so friendly, it adds a lot to the team." Once he stepped off the cross country terrain, Guymon said his friendly persona remained intact. "He works in the cafeteria; and they claim he holds the lines up," Guymon said. "He talks to everyone as they come through. He likes to treat everyone like they're his best friend." By~
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