Hood coach Martin Owusu-Antwi pursues his second master’s degree

By Matthew Oudkerk//

Did you know that one of Hood’s coaches is also a sprinter for Ghana and a former NCAA Division I athlete?

Martin Owusu-Antwi, assistant track and field coach, started running at age 18, a late bloomer to the sport because he “grew up playing soccer and a bit of basketball,” Owusu-Antwi stated. “I am from Ghana, a tiny country about the size of Oregon. Track isn’t as big as soccer, but it is swamping with talent.”

Owusu-Antwi made his first national team about one year after starting his competitive track career. “After this is when I fell in love with the sport, and the more I competed, the more doors this sport opened for me and I am forever grateful,” Martin said.

Owusu-Antwi chose Hood College in pursuit of his second master’s degree.

When he came to Hood, he connected with head track and field coach Michael Petro on social media with a proposal to “help coach the sprinters at Hood.”

Now 28 years old, Martin has racked up a number of achievements and accolades. He is a one-time All-African Games winner, has been ranked as high as the top eight in African championships, and was once ranked 74th in the world for the 200-meter dash.

Owusu-Antwi specializes in short sprints, usually running 60, 100, and 200 meters, with an occasional 400-meter appearance every now and then. He also does these races as relays as well; four by one, four by two, and four by four.

Graduating in May, Owusu-Antwi still plans to continue to run and compete at a high level into his 30s.