For graduating École Secondaire catholique Thériault student Vincent Chénier, running has always been a big part of his life.
Thanks to his passion, Chénier has received an athletic scholarship from the University of Memphis in Tennessee.
The scholarship will cover his tuition, textbooks, equipment as well as championship-related travel and meal expenses for the entire duration of his four-year studies.
Chénier, 17, who is going to study biomedical engineering, said although running can be both physically and mentally challenging, he enjoys it as he strives to make himself better.
“It’s just who I am,” he said. “I’ve always been known as a guy who runs. It’s just what I do. I’ve always done it, and I enjoy it and I love training … And running is a way of me pushing myself.”
When he received his scholarship, he said he knew competing under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) would push him to further limits.
“This has always been a dream of mine – to keep running in university because I have big dreams and I always wanted to push my limits and see where running will take me and how far I can go with it,” he said.
The University of Memphis stood out to him among other post-secondary schools and when he visited the university, he said he fell in love with the team, the coach as well as the campus and the city.
He started running in Grade 2 but it wasn’t until Grade 4 when he expressed an interest in doing it competitively.
“When you’re a kid and you’re running, it’s fun.”
He then started running with his father Guy Chénier, joined a local track club and participated in numerous competitions and championships.
“My dad has always been a role model because he’s an athlete himself, so I’ve always had him to train, run and bike with.”
Chénier said he won all the local races during his time in elementary school and also participated in numerous out-of-town races and meets. He kept running throughout high school and it became his passion.
Local track and field coach Vital Shank described Chénier as “talented and very motivated” who worked really hard during his high school career.
Initially, Chénier considered pursuing education in chiropractor or medical schools. Because he’s always been interested in science, problem-solving and designing, he decided to study biomedical engineering.
Chénier noted he’s also looking into either taking a double major in physics or doing an accelerated bachelor’s and masters’ program, which would enable him to receive both degrees in five years.
He said the University of Memphis hasn’t announced whether classes will be held online this fall due to COVID-19 pandemic but there’s a phased plan for student-athletes, coaches and staff to return to training and competition this summer.
Besides running, he also did crosscountry skiing, swimming and biking.
In the future, Chénier said he sees himself competing and finishing on top of the American Athletic Conference, individually and with his team, as well as participating at the regional meet and making it to the nationals.
“I look forward to running with people, getting to know the team, enjoying the city, working out, running fast, running competitive races and competing with other universities in big races,” he said.
