Courtsey of Brian Beard

For hurdler Adepoju Arogundade ’25, the Emory University Dooley Elite Meet in Georgia was not just another event in the season’s schedule, but a pivotal moment in his career as he concludes his time at Bowdoin.

With unfamiliar competition and ideal weather conditions, Arogundade clocked a blistering 53.80 run in the 400m hurdles, coming in second overall and first among Division III finishers at the meet. His impressive showing earned him the title of NESCAC Track Athlete of the Week and placed him in the ranks of only three Polar Bears in program history to run the event in under 54 seconds.

“It was definitely nice to have good weather, especially [being used to] running track in New England. It can be variable at times, and it’s something out of your control,” Arogundade said. “Being in an environment where it’s optimal conditions to be able to have a good performance was nice.”

The meet marked a shift in more than just scenery. Away from the regular NESCAC lineup, the Emory meet presented unfamiliar competitors and fresh motivation.

“In New England or the NESCAC, you’re competing against the same schools,” Arogundade  said. “Having new competitors and being able to make it a competition with people I’m unfamiliar with is pretty helpful in terms of being able to focus on myself.”

Arogundade noted his appreciation for the smaller meet atmosphere.

“I enjoy the small meets that allow you to get really close to your teammates and coaches,” Arogundade said. “We support each other on the track, and that chemistry allows us to have good performances and have trust in each other.”

Even with his impressive results, Arogundade left Georgia hungry for more.

“I was satisfied with the time, but I knew that I was capable of running faster. I’m still chomping at the bit,” Arogundade said. “I know if I just continue to put in the work that allowed me to run as well as I did that day, it would allow me to do some great things.”

Arogundade’s sights are set on breaking into a sub-52-second finish in the 400-meter hurdles before he graduates. With the NESCAC championships this weekend, Arogundade is locked in.

“It’s always fun to have a championship meet and see all the other NESCAC schools, but also have opportunities to show what Bowdoin track and field has been doing this year,” Arogundade  said.

Arogundade’s love for the sport dates back to sixth grade, when he realized he could translate his speed on the soccer field to the track. He was inspired by his older sister, a hurdler, and decided to follow in her footsteps. However, what started as just a sport quickly became a defining part of his identity—a passion that shaped his high school career in Springfield, Ill. and eventually led him to walk on to the Bowdoin team.

“Track has had a very positive impact on my life. The environment allows for people to truly be themselves,” Arogundade said. “It’s a very accepting space where I can show up and be in this environment where everyone is working together for a common goal, which is getting better at track.”

Bowdoin track and field offered Arogundade more than just a team; it offered a change. From mountains to coastlines, Arogundade was excited about the stark contrast Maine offered compared to his home in the Midwest. But more than the landscape, it is personal growth that has defined his four years.

“Running has shaped my identity in terms of how much time and effort I can dedicate to something that I truly care about,” he said. “It’s not an immediate response, it takes time to see [results].”

Now, with only a few races left in his senior season and the possibility of NCAA Division III Nationals on the horizon, Arogundade is focused on making each race count. After the upcoming NESCAC championship next weekend, he will compete at Division III New England Championships, the All-New England meet, the Farley Inter-Regional and potentially the Last Chance Qualifier at MIT.

“Knowing that my time is limited, and therefore having no regrets, treating practice like meets, in going out and competing and using it as an opportunity to get better,… that’s what I’m going to try and do the next few weeks,” Arogundade said. “I have to give it my all now, because I won’t be able to do this again.”