by VADA ABRAHAMON
This summer, Adam Fogg of Brisbane Australia, moved over 8,000 miles to join Drake University’s cross-country team and study marketing.
Fogg was born in England, then moved with his family to Australia when he was seven years old. Through primary school, Fogg participated in soccer, rugby and running. At the age of 10, Fogg became more focused on running, and a few years later began to train seriously for the sport.
After high school, Fogg attended university for two years in Australia studying psychology. “I’d always thought about coming to America, even right out of high school, but I didn’t find the right fit,” said Fogg. Drake’s cross-country coach, Jay Koloseus, messaged Fogg on Instagram, introducing him to Drake. “When I got that message, I thought ‘I’m going to properly look into it’ now here I am,” Fogg said.
After initial contact on Instagram, Coach Koloseus remained in touch with Fogg helping him through the process. “It’s been as easy as it possibly could’ve been,” said Fogg. Coach Koloseus also reminded him of deadlines to apply and connected him to resources at Drake International.
Mark Carroll, Drake’s head cross country coach, was another big reason Fogg decided to come here. “Drake, for me, was the best fit and had the best coaches,” said Fogg.
Before moving to America this summer, Fogg spent seven weeks in England running. During this time, he set a personal record for the 1500 meter run at 3:40.
In Australia, cross-country is an individual sport, versus being team based in America. “It’s a whole different vibe to racing cross country over here,” said Fogg. The transition to a new dynamic has been easy for Fogg. He found help through Coach Koloseus and his supportive teammates. Another member of the team is also from Australia. “The team aspect to it is really good,” said Fogg.
Fogg’s teammates have helped him on and off the team. Being far from home, he sought out support at Drake. “I’ve made quite a few friends from International Orientation and my teammates are very welcoming,” said Fogg.
Aside from cross-country, Fogg will run Track in the spring. “It’s a busy schedule, I’m just making the most of one involvement,” said Fogg who is currently not involved in any other campus activities.
It is uncommon in Australia to travel for college, so Fogg has always lived at home until now. Being born in England, he still has family there, along with cousins in Michigan, a brother in Denmark and his family in Australia. “We’re all over the place,” said Fogg. He plans to move back to Australia after completing two and a half years at Drake, though that plan is flexible. His other options include staying in America to work or running in England.
On September 6, Fogg won his first American race at the Hawkeye Invitational. Fogg ran the 6k race at a time of 18:06. Winning is not unusual for Fogg, but if challenged to race Griff he says, “Griff would win. Every time. Have you seen that dog?”