Oklahoma State University Athletics
Meet The Freshmen: Cerake Geberkidane
September 18, 2014 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
Each week, we will sit down with a Cowboy/Cowgirl newcomer and find out everything from their favorite part about Stillwater, to their favorite TV show. This week, we talked with Cerake Geberkidane, a freshman from Denver, Colo., who begins his OSU career after winning the Colorado Class 5A cross country state championship last spring.
What was the number one reason why you came to Oklahoma State?
“I connected really well with Coach Smith and Coach Lockhart. When they came over to my house for dinner, we got along really well, and we also connected when I came here for my official visit. We went to Craig [Nowak's] house and had a great time. The team interacted with each other really well, and that sold me.”
Since you've been here, what has been your favorite thing at OSU?
“I would say the ten-mile tempos. I like them because you get to see the entire team enduring the pain and struggle of a ten-mile run, which isn't an easy workout. Being able to see everyone complete that really shows you that we are a strong team. When we go through that together, it really helps us connect as a team.”
What do you miss most about home?
“Right now, I don't really miss anything. It's only been a month since I got here, so I'm still trying to adjust to everything here and focus on my training and school. I'm sure I will start to miss things over time, but with us only being here for a month, I'm still transitioning.”
Do you have any superstitions you use before a meet?
“If I tell you, it might not work, so I don't want to jinx it. I do have multiple superstitions, though.”
What is the number one goal of your OSU career?
“To win a national title as a team. That's what I really want to do.”
Who is your cross country/track idol?
“Haile Gebrselassie. He's an Ethiopian runner who set records in the marathon and the 10K on the track. He was just an outstanding runner. My parents are from Ethiopia, and we both kind of grew up the same way. He grew up in the lower class, but ended up making a lot of money from running, so that is what kind of inspired me to run.”
What's your favorite thing about being a runner?
“I think the best part is when you get to tell people your mileage. It's always great to say, 'Oh, I'm doing 75 miles currently per week.” People will freak out. I just got done telling people about doing a 15-miler, and they were shocked by it. I laugh a little bit every time that happens because it's not really a big deal to me anymore, and I'm used to it. For them, it's shocking, so it's great being able to accomplish something that people are so shocked about.”
Do you have a favorite TV show?
“Workaholics.”
Who is your favorite musical artist?
“I have so many that I like right now, so I can't say I have a favorite one, but I'm all over the places. I like a lot of genres.”
If you could visit one place in the world, where would you go?
“Paris.”
If your house/apartment was on fire and you only had time to save one possession, what would it be?
“My laptop. I've got all my text messages and contacts on my laptop, so I can do without my phone.”
If you could have dinner with any three people (living or dead), who would they be?
“Haile Gebrselassie, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jim Carrey.”
Give me one word to describe you.
“Fashion-killa.”
