Walk-on athletes in college are commonly stereotyped as the player at the back of the pack — the black sheep of the team. But Union University cross country runner Sam Barkman completely counters this common sports narrative.
After walking onto the men’s cross country team last year, Sam’s dedication to the sport and intentionality with teammates has caused him to become a respected runner and well-loved leader amongst his peers and coaches.
“I think a lot of times walk-ons are the kind of athletes that tend to be embarrassed that they are walk-ons,” said Bailey Bell, head cross country coach at Union. “Sam takes that preconceived notion and flips it upside down. He takes so much pride and has such a love for running and for our team. He wants to show up and give his best, just for the love of the sport. That is unheard of.”
Bell says Barkman always shows up to practice at the crack of dawn, and he never complains. It is evident Barkman really wants to be there because of his love for the sport and not for a scholarship or another reason.
“Sam is that unique athlete that you get every once in a while who is absolutely committed to the sport and so joyful that he wears it as a badge of honor,” Bell said.
Barkman is currently a junior and is studying physical education. Barkman had never run competitively before coming to Union. Running was not even something he had considered doing before enrolling for college. The sport was always something he enjoyed doing before joining the men’s cross country team, but now he has formed a great love for it while competing alongside his teammates.
Despite coming onto the team as a walk-on, Barkman was quickly accepted by his fellow runners.
“Honestly, the guys have never treated me differently or anything,” Barkman said. “Just run hard and work hard. It’s a family.”
One of Barkman’s favorite parts of being on the cross country team is how much his coaches and teammates have intentionally invested in him. He said they are a lot more concerned about investing in each other than winning a championship.
“Like, yeah we run together and we are a team. But we also are a family, we enjoy hanging out together and encouraging one another,” Barkman said. “I’ve had a lot of good talks with people on the team about faith. It’s honestly been such a blessing to be on the team, for sure.”
Although Barkman loves running, it is definitely a huge time commitment that keeps him very busy. However, he still tries to be intentional with the time he has.
“Since transitioning to the cross country team, it’s been a lot to think about,” Barkman said. “But it’s helped me to manage my time better and set time aside to hangout with my friends and invest in those relationships.”
While at Union, Barkman has had so many people invest in him. From his RA during freshman year, to coaches on the cross country team, to even President Dub Oliver, Barkman has had an array of individuals take time to encourage him.
Bell said that Barkman pays this investment forward by always trying to encourage his teammates. Whether it’s at practice, everyday activities, long bus rides or at meets, Barkman can be found building up those around him.
“He is someone who really really values having meaningful conversations with people,” Bell said. “Sam is just the guy that is asking people how their week is. He is the whole package when you think of what a student athlete should be like.”
Sam Barkman is definitely not the stereotypical walk-on. From his attitude to his hard work, Barkman always aims for excellence in all that he does. This attribute will always inspire those around him to strive to be intentional in how they run and how they live life.
