PHOTO: Amb. Bill Rogers
By Moses M. Tokpah, mosesmtokpah@gmail.com
+231777130958/+231886476114
A former Liberian Athlete based in the United States, Bill Rogers will on Saturday, December 11, 2021 bag a Master of Education in Coaching Sport and Recreation Administration from the Angelo State University.
Bill Rogers is a Liberian runner born in Kakata, Liberia.
He competed in the 1500 metres dash in the IAAF World Youth Championships in Athletics in Debrecen, Hungary in July, 2001.
Currently, he holds the Liberian national record for the 1500m. He ran a 4:01.56 for the Liberian record in Cotonou, Benin on 27 June 2004.
Mr. Rogers was slated to run the 800 metres representing Liberia in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece but instead joined Sayon Cooper and Kouty Manweh in a boycott of the games due to alleged unfair treatment of the expelled Liberian National Olympic Committee (LNOC) boss, Clemenceau Urey.
In 2010 Bill Rogers formed the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation; benefiting and empowering the youths of Liberia. He is a graduate of El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas and of Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology- Human Performance.
The former Athlete in a brief chat with this writer disclosed that his success is just a blessing from God and those who believe in him have inspired and push him to reach his milestone including Professors and renowned friends.
Amb. Rogers indicated that the master’s program is designed for a maximum of 2 years or more, but with courage and determination, he was able to set a personal goal to reduce his two years study period, to a year, though it was challenging to do.
“But if you want to achieve anything in life put in the work, be committed and compete against yourself with such determination and disciplinary plan,” he narrated.
Mr. Rogers explained that reflecting on his beloved country, he has to do something that many young people will benefit from, especially from the taste of his extraordinary talent or experience.
The former Liberian Track Athlete furthered that he received his courage from many young people around the world, especially in his beloved country, Liberia which gave him the extra motivation.
He believes that his achievement is a gold medal for Liberia and as such, he dedicates his achievement to the young people and the people of Liberia at large.
“I’m ready and prepared to return home to help impact lives, whether in the classroom or wherever I can contribute to society for national growth,” Mr. Rogers promised.
The program according to Bill, is a higher Education that can serve him in many professional areas.
Mr. Rogers also said that he can utilize the opportunity he has now to work as athletic director and assistant professor globally as the program focuses on sports related components, but he wants to return to his home country and pass over to the young people the knowledge acquired by him.
“I have the energy and this is the time that I return home to utilize it and it will be my major regret if I don’t return to Liberia to contribute to the lives of the young people who are in dying need of mentorship, direction and believe in me, I don’t want to return when I am old and don’t have the energy to carry out transformation. I learned to change my pain to purpose.”
Mr. Bill Rogers is now specialized in Professional Development, Sports Physiology, Risk Management,
Legal issues in sports (sports governance and agencies law), Leadership in Sports, Sports Health, Disabilities in Sports, Sports and Recreation as well as Sports Marketing and Promotion respectively.
Amb. Rogers has however, acknowledged the contribution Lieutenant/Colonel as well as former Salvation Army head, Brain Knightley made in his life. Bill said Knightley inspired him through scholarship to attend the Salvation Army School System in Liberia, adding that he took advantage of the one chance that was given him.
“I am sorry that he is not here, but I still remember him for the print he left on me, he helped lots of children in Liberia during and after the civil crisis,” Bill averred.
He also appreciated all the Athletic Coaches from Liberia, Kenya and the United States for the mentorship in Athletic.
At the same time, the former Liberian Track Athlete and Trauma Surgeon in California lauded Dr. Grace Ann Dinkins for giving him the greatest opportunity to upgrade himself in life.
On the other hand, Bill said he’s grateful to Dr. Kipchoge ‘Kip’ Keino, one of the World’s renowned runners who inspired him at the IOC/IAFF development training center in Kenya and invested more in his athletic development and inspired him to take advantage of education.
“He is not with me, but I remember him for the opportunity which built my skill in Nairobi, Kenya, his name will not be forgotten,” Bill recounted.
He also commended the people of the United States of America for the opportunity given him. Bill thanked the different institutions that he attended and the many great friends he encountered throughout this journey.
Bill extended gratification to the Professional Sports Development club at Angelo State University heads and its associates who granted him many educational opportunities, as the club is ‘productive for students’ growth.’
He also thanked God for the many blessings showered upon his life as he looks forward to a better future.