JEFFERSON CITY – Dapo Akinmoladun and Jehu Chesson II share more than just their superb skills at clearing hurdles.
The two are first generation Americans whose parents hail from Africa. They met for the first time at the Class 3-4 state meet and shared an immediate kinship because of their roots.
Akinmoladun was born in U.S., and his family emigrated from Nigeria. Chesson was born in Liberia, and his family moved here when he was 5. Both agreed it is common for an immediate connection to occur when they meet other people from Africa.
“I kind of knew, but I didn’t want to ask and be rude,” said Akinmoladun, a senior at Grandview. “There’s some bond – Mother Africa kind of thing.
“It happens all the time, ‘Oh you’re from Nigeria? What tribe?’ We had never met till this meet today and it’s pretty nice meeting him.”
Chesson, a senior at Ladue, said those relations happen quickly because the immigrants and their families not only have a shared origin but often similar experiences in their journeys that brought them together.
“We have these common things, and it makes it like a family reunion,” Chesson said. “I know what I’ve been through, so I know how hard it is for others.”
Competing in different classes, from opposite sides of the state, has kept the two state champions from going head-to-head.
Akinmoladun set a new Class 3 state record in the 110-meter hurdles at 13.56. He also won the 300 hurdles in 37.34. Chesson was just edged out in the 110s to take runner-up in 14.14, but he did come back just minutes later and won the 100-meter dash in 10.70. Chesson also won the 300 hurdles in 37.77.
Chesson is heading to Michigan to play football, and he said he has to get accustomed to that schedule and establish his grades before he can think about doubling up with track in the spring. With Akinmoladun set to run for Nebraska next year, the allure of having a friendly conference rival already built in might push Chesson closer to being a duel sport athlete.
“First things first I have to take care of my grades,” Chesson said with a smile. “Then we’ll see.”