Daniel Maduabuchi Ifeanyi ready to sprint on AUS stage

CAPERS track and field welcomes international student-athlete

Daniel Maduabuchi Ifeanyi ready to sprint on AUS stage

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY – A first-year student-athlete is expected to develop into a key contributor to the growing Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS varsity track and field program, according to head coach John Hudec.

"Watching him fulfill his potential will be exciting to see," he said of Daniel Maduabuchi Ifeanyi, an international student studying in CBU's Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program.

The native of Lagos, Nigeria – who competed as a high school sprinter, mainly in the 80 and 100-metre distances, in his home country – pointed to the "adrenaline rush" he gets from running, when asked about his passion for the sport, particularly when he is competing in front of fans. "I love it," Maduabuchi Ifeanyi said, admitting he enjoys soaking in the crowd noise when he toes the line.

After arriving too late to try out for the CAPERS last year, the 20-year-old was raring to go when training camp began earlier this fall. "I am really enjoying it," Maduabuchi Ifeanyi said of launching his career as a student-athlete, noting the bonds he has already established with his CAPER teammates and coaches.

As for his first-year student-athlete's performance at open tryouts, Hudec said, "Daniel stood out athletically." Noting his quiet nature, he added, the CBU coaching staff has "challenged" Maduabuchi Ifeanyi, early on, when it came to his commitment to training. "The sky is the limit," Hudec offered of his potential, adding that his focus has improved steadily.

Considering his speed, the CBU mentor predicted that Maduabuchi Ifeanyi will eventually add jumps – such as the triple – to his repertoire; a perfect fit bearing in mind a "strong burst" is required to have success in those disciplines. "Try my best," he said, when asked about his goals for this season, as part of contributing as much as he can to the success of the CAPERS.

Maduabuchi Ifeanyi described his CBU experience – not only academically and athletically, but also in the broader Cape Breton community – as "very interesting."

"It has been great," he offered, noting the kindness of people as one of the best parts of his experience.

Along with his family and friends, of course, there is something else he "really misses" being so far away from home. "The food," Maduabuchi Ifeanyi laughed.