Alumni Life, Part 3: The Moh Mentality
“Many things stick to me about Moh, but one thing I will never forget is the mean face he has trying to run the fastest he can to bring the baton home.”
Beep! Beep! The sound of the alarm blares through a gloomy and murky cold morning. Then, slam – the beeping stops.
Am I late? A voice mutters through the white bed sheets as a familiar face begins to appear.
Mamodou Sylla (Moh) launches out of the bed and runs downstairs.
Did I sleep properly?
The constant influx of thoughts launches to his head, but only one thing stands out for him: getting ready. Moh puts on his shoes and beats out the door, starting the car and leaving the house in a sight. The journey of a runner begins with a single step. This is the story of Mamoudu Sylla’s journey to becoming a college runner.
Moh’s day begins like the average college student’s would: get up and go to your designated class. This schedule is for the average person who wants to study a major in college and become a designated worker in today's society. Moh finishes around 4 pm .This time is when the average person would head home and finish the rest of their day, maybe studying before going to a party. However, for Moh, it's just begun.
Not long after class, Moh hears his coach’s words: “30 minutes of running.” The day seeps into the night as the time ticks with the pattern of running.
In track the more you put into the workout, the more improvement you get, so there's no time to waste. Three 200 meter repeats is the next task, and Moh, tired from the half hour run, is trying to blaze the track with speed. Rest assured, he does not want anyone to pass him. This is just a regular day for Moh. At home, he hangs up his track shoes and takes a cold shower before bed.
My experience with Moh was at first a drag. During my 10th grade track year, I only ran the 4x100 relay because my coach didn't know my placement on the team. After a 3rd place finish in a race, I was panicking and mad at my teammates. But a friend was out that day due to a doctor's appointment, so a race was open.I was bargaining to do the 400 meter sprint but the 800 meter run was also open. Knowing my coach he put me in the 800 meter run. I was panicking and Moh came up to me. “Just know I'm praying for you,” he said.
I panicked more and came in last at that race. Move on to 11th grade year and one of the people on my team was Moh for the 800 and 4x400 meter relay. Me and him both had a sort of uplifting friendship. Moh was a grade above me, so I looked to him for advice and as a role model from running during our spare time. On the relay, I would be the first or second baton handler and Moh would be the anchor – the person who brings the baton home. Many things stick to me about Moh, but one thing I will never forget is the mean face he has trying to run the fastest he can to bring the baton home. Moh is a man of few words but a billion face expressions.
The pinnacle of Moh's life was graduating from high school and deciding what he wants to do when he gets older, which was majoring in art. What pushed Moh to be successful in track was his worth and his mentality. But what drives Moh to compete at a college level in cross country is a story within itself. The surge of happiness and the feeling of dopamine he gets while in a race, knowing the working behind the scenes was worth it. That is what encouraged Moh to step back into the stoplight and race against the clock time and time again.
The scattering of feet and the rhythmic breathing mechanisms are common occurrences for Moh as he starts his day for the meet. Rest assured he takes deep breaths to calm himself. He tries to lower his anxiety level as the race starts.
GO!
The race takes off; many people start; some people start walking, but Moh stays consistent with his pace and stride, leading to the last kick and he pushes until the end. Anxiety and the strain of his muscles overtake him. Moh may have not finished first, but he enjoys his sport and does his best. That’s the Moh mentality.