Matthew Kamph (middle), a University of Memphis cross country and track and field athlete has nearly finished his college degree. Kamph chose to attend the UofM and continue his passion for running.
Matthew Kamph, a University of Memphis cross country and track and field athlete, has nearly finished his college degree.Â
Kamph could have completed his degree at several universities. Instead, he chose to attend the UofM and continue his passion for running.
“I have been very blessed by the opportunity to attend this university and to be the position I am today,†Kamph said. “I love Memphis, and I think everything about this city is amazing.â€
Kamph said he began running as a way to stay in shape. After his coaches told him he had potential, he started his pursuit as a track athlete. Kamph attended high school in Ewing, New Jersey, at Notre Dame High School. His high school was in Mercer County and less than an hour away from Philadelphia. Kamph attended a university more than 1,000 miles away and found a new home in Memphis.
Kamph said he grew weary of the weather conditions and longed for a warmer climate, but he said he became passionate about the city.
“I love Memphis,†Kamph said. “I would love to stay here after graduation. The best thing I have ever taken away from this city is the culture. It was an absolute blessing that I was given the opportunity I was.â€
Kamph started out as a sprinter. He was recruited as a 400/800 meter sprinter, which is what he did in high school. Later, his coaches told him his true potential was in distance running. Kamph said that “pushed the envelope of his skills.â€
“I was running 20 to 25 miles in a single week in my first year at the UofM,†Kamph said. “Over this past summer, I had improved that to over one hundred every week. Within three years after making that big of a change, it has been a bit of a challenge adjusting to that training and mindset. It is something I constantly have to work on.â€
Kamph and other cross country athletes start the season one week before the fall semester begins and work until a week after spring classes have let out. For nine months, the athletes have to manage both a full class load and being an athlete.
“I have been really thankful and fortunate to be in the position that I am,†Kamph said. “I am extremely thankful to have a university that supports us so much in every endeavor.â€
Kamph has been a part of the Tiger 3.0 club every semester for his last seven semesters. He was also a part of the Tiger 4.0 club for five of his last seven semesters. Kamph achieved a 3.99 GPA as a student athlete and was given a citizenship award from the Student Athlete Advisor Committee. Kamph said he was most proud of his Top-20 leaders under 30 award from the UofM President’s leadership award ceremony.
“I am so full of joy looking back on it,†Kamph said. “Everything from the classroom to on the track to personal life, everything has developed for me. I am extremely happy with the person I have become.â€
Kamph and the Cross Country team will head to the American Conference Championship for indoor season Saturday.
