By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Topeka West track and cross country star Lenny Njoroge was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Male Athlete Wednesday night at Washburn University.
Recent Topeka West graduate Lenny Njoroge was named the Topeka Shawnee County Most Inspirational Male Athlete of the Year Wednesday night at Washburn. [File photo/TSN]
Njoroge ended his high school career as a multi-time Class 5A state medalist in both cross country and track, bouncing back from a serious leg injury as a sophomore to finish fourth in cross county and post second and fourth-place state finishes in track as a senior.
"Lenny broke both bones (tibia and fibula) of his lower leg during track his sophomore year playing club soccer,'' Topeka West cross country/track coach Donnie Palmer said. "Lenny had to go through rehabilitation for seven to eight months before he could return to running.
"Lenny worked hard and came back stronger and faster for track his junior year. He continued his hard work last summer in preparation for his senior year (of cross country and soccer). Lenny is a true inspiration to our school, program and the community.''
Njoroge will run cross country and track at Kansas.
The son of Kimani Franci, Njoroge compiled a grade point average of 3.776 at Topeka West.
Other candidates:
Mason Brokaw
MASON BROKAW | Silver Lake
PARENTS: Kevin and Shannon Brokaw
SPORT: Cross country/track | GPA: 3.855
Brokaw ran varsity track and cross country throughout his high school career. "He has contributed to some very good teams all years,'' Silver Lake cross country coach Kevin Brokaw said. "He has grown into a leader of the team and always led by example. As a senior he decided to double in football as well as cross country after not playing football since sixth grade. He was a varsity letter-winner in both fall sports. He is a great teammate in every sport he participates in and always gives 100 percent. He is a mentor to young runners that look up to him.'' Brokaw received All-Mid-East League recognition all four years in high school and was a state cross country medalist as a freshman and a state medalist in track as a sophomore and junior.
Nick Freeland
NICK FREELAND | Shawnee Heights
PARENTS: Chad Freeland and Jessica Busby
SPORT: Football/wrestling | GPA: 3.4
Freeland was a standout in football and wrestling for Shawnee Heights. "Nick had a fantastic football season as the quarterback,'' Shawnee Heights football coach Jason Swift said. "He got there by his hard work, commitment and mental toughness. Nick attended 101 football opportunities in the summer, where the average players made 62. The 101 is a new school record. Nick had a big game leading the T-Birds to victory over Lansing in the playoffs, plus big wins vs. Seaman, Basehor, Topeka West and Lansing for a second time.'' Freeland was a regional champion and placed sixth in Class 5A for Shawnee Heights' wrestling team and will wrestle collegiately at Hastings College in Nebraska. Freeland received first-team All-Shawnee County honors in wrestling and all-county honorable mention in football.
Jake Muller
JAKE MULLER | Hayden
PARENT: Jeff and Amy Muller
SPORT: Soccer/cross country/basketball/track | GPA: 3.576
Muller was a rare four-sport athlete for the Wildcats, earning All-City/All-Shawnee County recognition in all four sports that he participated in and winning four career Class 4A state championships in track. "Jake was exceptional in his attitude and willingness to help others,'' Muller's nomination form stated. "He was a true leader and encouraged those around him to work hard and that if you put in the work that good things will follow. Jake was a dream student-athlete. Jake's positive attitude and demeanor on or off the field or court was an example to the younger athletes of how a student-athlete should work, compete and represent your school. He inspired those around him to become better student-athletes and to participate in as many activities that they can.'' Muller will run track at Washburn University.
