Thornton Fractional North track coach Moses Hulbert was new to raising a child, but he could tell his nephew needed a place to vent his energies.
Rashad Hulbert was a “hyper” youngster, his uncle said, and track and field seemed like a good fit for a kid who hurdled over lawn chairs in his yard.
“I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him,” Rashad said of his uncle.
“I had so much energy, and he wanted me to take some energy and do something positive instead of going to the streets and doing something bad. He put me on the right path by doing sports.”
That path took the Crete-Monee senior to a state championship in the 300-meter hurdles in 2011 and back to the Class 3A state meet this weekend, when he hopes to bring home two more state hurdles titles. Next fall it will lead him to Louisiana State University.
But it started with heartbreak when Rashad’s mother, Susie Ann Hulbert, died of pneumonia when he was 8 years old. Rashad’s father gave up his parental rights and left, Moses said, and Moses gained guardianship. He, Rashad’s aunt, LaShawn Hulbert, and several other family members took on raising Rashad.
“It was the hardest job I’ve faced,” said Moses, whose other job as a track coach helped with the task.
Rashad didn’t really enjoy track when he started — he didn’t like losing — and Moses remembers Rashad playing in a field with other kids during an AAU meet years ago and being too tired for his races.
Now, Rashad has a hurdle and a starting block in his basement, so he can practice when the weather is bad. He’s also a four-time state-qualifier and four-time medalist.
“When you see someone who’s had a lot of success you assume he’s arrogant,” Crete-Monee coach Brian O’Donnell said. “I was impressed with the way he handled everything last year. … He’s not a ‘hey-look-at-me’ kind of guy. He shows up, and he does his job.”
Many college coaches told Rashad the 400 hurdles will be his race at the next level, but Rashad thinks he can do both if he lowers his 110 time. He was third in 3A in the 110 race last season, and has been fine-tuning his mechanics.
“I’ve been going 110 crazy,” Rashad said. “I know I’m talented enough to be a dual 110 and 300 hurdler.”
He enters the state meet with the best 110 hurdles qualifying time of 13.99 seconds and the second-best 300 hurdles time of 38.17 seconds. He’ll also run on Crete-Monee’s 400 and 1,600 relays.
Moses will have his own T.F. North athletes to watch this weekend, but he’ll keep an eye on Rashad as he makes his final high school run.
“Last year, after he won the 300 hurdles, it was pretty emotional,” Moses said. “He has come a long way.”
