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Andre Faulcon The All-American:
Andre Faulcon, Virginia State University’s Track and Field All-American, wasn’t always a track athlete. Truth be told, he was never really interested in the sport at all. When Andre was a youngster, his favorite sport and past time was soccer. He played little league and club soccer during his school years in Glassboro, NJ. Andre’s mother, Alberta Faulcon, has always been the person to push him in the right direction. During his elementary school years, Alberta wanted Andre to have a solid educational foundation so she enrolled him in private schools. The first private school was predominantly white, but that didn’t matter to Andre because he got along with everyone. The second private school was a school that was very diverse and multi-cultural. Then there was another private school that Andre’s mother wanted him to attend before going off to public high school. This particular school really focused on preparing their students for high school. Math, English and social studies are subjects that many minority students struggle with before moving on to high school. The private school setting laid the groundwork for Andre to build from educationally. The combination of the three private schools helped him understand the importance of sacrificing a little fun to learn. It also gave him the opportunity to appreciate diversity. Andre was ready for the challenges of high school. When Andre turned 13 years of age, he was not only ready for the high school classroom, but he was ready to participate in high school athletics. During high school, he continued to blossom as a soccer star at Glassboro High School. Andre also participated in club soccer with many of his schoolmates. Andre was the fastest player on every soccer team that he played on. It was in high school that Andre decided to give track and field a try. During his junior year of high school, Andre thought that track and field could help increase his speed, endurance and quickness on the soccer field. After competing in a few track meets, Andre had found a new love with two names, track and field. Andre was so good that in that same junior year of high school, he was the National AAU Champion in the long jump with a 23’1” mark. In the 100 meters, he was clocked at 10.50 and always finished in the top 3 in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400-meter relay, and the long jump while in high school. While in his senior year at Glassboro High School, Andre began to seriously think about going to college and furthering his education and competing intercollegiate athletics. His visit to Virginia State University was the only visit necessary during his senior college tour. Track and field coach, Andre Moore, sold Virginia State University to him. “Coach Moore was honest and he cared about what happens to us when we finish school,” commented Andre. “He is still one of my best male role models and a very good friend.” “He still takes time to check on my progress in the classroom and on the track,” stated the young star. During his freshman year, Andre received a small scholarship from Coach Moore. Each year he continued to challenge himself to be a better student and athlete. Andre never new that there would be some tough times and challenges in his future as he continued to improve his educational skills and athletic skills. When he came to VSU, the 200 meters was not his best event, but over the past couple of years, the 200 meters is his main event. Andre’s best marks at Virginia State University have been 21.01(200 meters), 10.26(100 metes), 24’11” (long jump) and 47.3(400 meter relay). He is truly a Man of Troy and a VSU All-American. His college life and education has been almost picture perfect. Andre loves the university, his teammates and friends.
Knowing that these are some very difficult circumstances to be in, Andre has held on like a true All-American would. He has been true to himself and believes that the love of track and field, teammates, Coach Moore and Coach Young, have allowed him to run full speed ahead. He truly looks forward to the day that he graduates from Virginia State University, the University where he became an All-American and a responsible adult.
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