Where are They Now: Kemel Thompson
December 11, 2019 | Track & Field
Kemel Thompson
Years at USF: 1994-96
Event: Hurdles, Relays
Accomplishments:
Has the second-fastest time in school history in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 50.50
Was the 1996 Conference USA champion in the 400-meter hurdles
Ran the second leg for the 4x400 meter relay team that owns the third-fastest time in school history
Member of the 1996 Conference USA 4x400 meter relay championship team
About USF Track and Field
The USF track and field team has produced 22 All-America selections since 2008 and at least one All-American in nine of the last 11 years. 2016 graduate Matthew O'Neal is USF's first six-time NCAA All-American. USF has posted two NCAA runner-up finishes since 2013 - O'Neal (triple jump, 2016) and Courtney Anderson (high jump, 2013). The Bulls hosted the 2018 NCAA Track and Field East Preliminary at the USF Track and Field Stadium.
Years at USF: 1994-96
Event: Hurdles, Relays
Accomplishments:
Has the second-fastest time in school history in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 50.50
Was the 1996 Conference USA champion in the 400-meter hurdles
Ran the second leg for the 4x400 meter relay team that owns the third-fastest time in school history
Member of the 1996 Conference USA 4x400 meter relay championship team
- Where is your current place of employment? USF Alumni Association.
- What is your current job title and what does that position entail? Director of Development. I raise corporate, private and individual funds to support the Alumni Association's initiatives and university priorities.
- Why did you choose to attend the University of South Florida? I transferred in from UCF. My coach at UCF thought the coaches at USF would be a great fit for me. He was right! At the time of transferring, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee and other schools had interest in me attending their schools, especially Florida State. Ultimately, my coach's advice paid off and still continues to pay off to this day!
- What was your favorite non-athletic moment at the University of South Florida? Graduating. When I got into the final semester was when it truly hit me that I was going to get my degree.
- How did your athletic involvement at USF aid in the path you chose following graduation? It really led the way! After being a student-athlete, my coaches allowed me to stay on as an assistant coach while continuing to train for the professional ranks. This also helped me to stay connected with the athletic department's administration. Throughout my professional track career, I kept in touch with the athletic administration which ultimately led to getting a job in the athletic department after retiring from track and field.
- What was your greatest athletic accomplishment during your time at the University of South Florida? Winning Conference USA 400-meter hurdles and then winning the 4x400 relay at the conference meet. We were missing a man and had a substitute runner at the first leg. At the end of the first leg we were dead last, but at the end of the second leg we had moved into fifth. I ran the third leg and gave the baton over the a 15-meter lead. Gary Bradley brought it home.
- What is your fondest memory at USF? Road trips and good times with my teammates.
- What piece of advice would you offer current USF student-athletes? Train and compete at your very best. The lessons you learned will positively impact you throughout your career, personal relationships and parenting.
- What was the last time you were on campus? I presently work on the USF campus.
About USF Track and Field
The USF track and field team has produced 22 All-America selections since 2008 and at least one All-American in nine of the last 11 years. 2016 graduate Matthew O'Neal is USF's first six-time NCAA All-American. USF has posted two NCAA runner-up finishes since 2013 - O'Neal (triple jump, 2016) and Courtney Anderson (high jump, 2013). The Bulls hosted the 2018 NCAA Track and Field East Preliminary at the USF Track and Field Stadium.
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