OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 11, 2020) – For Oklahoma Christian senior Ansel Jeffries, becoming a collegiate track and field athlete meant more than "just the ability to run fast."
 
Collegiate athletes commonly are dubbed "student-athletes" – a colloquial phrase meant to emphasis the importance of education paired with athletic ability.
 
However, for Jeffries, he did not want to just be known for running fast and getting his work done. He wanted to make a difference. He chose to redefine what it meant for him to be a student-athlete at OC by becoming a leader and campus influencer.

"I've been struggling with injuries since I got to campus, so my identity as an athlete has been solely aligned with that," Jeffries said. "However, I know I have more to offer this campus and the world than the ability to run fast. I know I am capable of things beyond my biggest dreams and I would be foolish to not start while here on this campus."

Jeffries – who goes by A.J. – grew up in Kentwood, Mich. At East Kentwood High School, he played football, wrestled and ran track. He set a school and state record while running as a part of a 4x200-meter relay team at Kentwood.

After high school, Jeffries attended Carthage College, a NCAA Division III school in Kenosha, Wis. He competed in track (sprints) and football (cornerback) during the 2017-18 academic year. While running at Carthage, Jeffries set a school record for the 4x100-meter relay. He also received All-Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin recognition in both football and track.

Then, Jeffries transferred to Oklahoma Christian in fall 2018 with the desire to "make a fresh start."

"(Carthage's) campus was beautiful and the people were amazing, but I felt myself becoming someone I wasn't," he said. "I was falling into habits and routines that were not me. I knew after my first year I needed to go somewhere where I could start over and get back to the person I knew I was supposed to be."

OC track and field coach Wade Miller said he wanted Jeffries to run at OC because of Jeffries' success, experience and ability to challenge his teammates to be better.

"A.J. is a hard worker and is able to work through challenges and setbacks," Miller said. "He is a good leader and an encouragement to his teammates."

In his first year at OC, Jeffries struggled with injuries; as a result, he sought to get involved on campus and start using his influence in that area.

During his two years at OC, Jeffries has joined a number of different student-led organizations, including the Black Student Union and DEI Student Council. He currently holds the position of Vice President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

He also works on campus at the Brew, OC's on-campus coffee shop, and as an intern in the university's marketing department. During the week, he leads various chapels, such as View 63.

This past summer, he penned a moving piece for OC's athletic website about his experiences as a young Black man. His story caught the attention of the NCAA Division II communications department, which distributed a link over the division's social media channels, giving Jeffries' thoughts an even wider audience.

Going into his senior year, Jeffries became a member of New Reign, OC's touring acapella vocal group, which allowed him to represent the university in a capacity outside of athletics.

Wes McKinzie, OC's sports management professor and the faculty leader of New Reign, said he watched Jeffries became a natural leader within the group and on campus.

"A.J. seems to have a combination of confidence, passion and humility that makes leaders special," McKinzie said. "He's natural and comfortable being the 'out-front' leader, but he's comfortable doing the little things, too. He doesn't believe he's 'too big' to do the small jobs."

McKinzie said he personally has been impacted by Jeffries' leadership and seen the community at Oklahoma Christian challenged and bettered as a result of Jeffries's humble passion and bold confidence.

"I've really been impressed to see how A.J. and others like Elise Miller, D.J. Walter, Trinity Carpenter and Kiva Maxwell have helped lead our community in the quest for social justice, racial equity and inclusion," McKinzie said. "From the March for Change to other initiatives, they've provided needed support for students of color while challenging those of us who are white to learn and grow."

Jeffries said ultimately his goal at OC extends far beyond running and setting records; rather, he aims to inspire others to seek to make a difference and give others the confidence to let their voices be heard.

"I just want people to know I did all I could to make a difference here and, if I can do it, then anyone can," Jeffries said. "I want those who come after me to know your voice can be heard, if you put your mind to it. It doesn't matter what you look like, where you come from, or what disabilities or disadvantages a person may have – if you command the attention of the room, speak your truth and fight the fights you believe in, the sky's the limit."

From McKinzie's comments, it would seem Jeffries' dreams and goals at OC are coming to fruition. Much like the relay races in which Jeffries has set records, he does not "run the race of life" alone. He said what motivates him to first pursue his dreams, and then achieve them, are the people fighting alongside him – and those who came before him.

"My mom is my role model, because of how she raised me to never give up and never think any task is too small," Jeffries said.

By the accounts of Jeffries' peers, mentors and coaches and by factual statistics, Jeffries has achieved great things already along his journey. However, he said he is still aiming toward his greatest achievement, while trying to be excellent in his daily walk.

"I honestly don't think I have one (greatest achievement) yet," Jeffries said. "It would be easy for me to sit and come up with something that at least sounds impressive, but there has been nothing yet, to my knowledge, that would warrant that title. I'm still striving to achieve something great. I want to be excellent in everything I do and successful in whatever walk of life I choose to pursue, which requires a sort of tiring grind now but I'm okay with that."