Oct. 28, 2003

By Kirk Phillips – Host Communications

For most, an occasional obstacle to overcome is simply a part of life. For University of Kentucky sophomore running back Alexis Bwenge, breaking through barriers has become a daily occurrence – on and off the football field.

Whether he is being challenged by the best Southeastern Conference foes have to offer or just understanding a casual conversation between teammates in the locker room, Bwenge has successfully attacked every potential roadblock he has encountered in his two-plus years in Lexington.

“Whatever challenge that is placed before Alexis, he attacks it with everything that he has,” Kentucky running backs coach Ron Caragher said. “He’s a hard worker who does whatever he has to do to be successful and to make everyone around him better – and I’m not just talking about on the football field. Whatever Alexis focuses on, he becomes successful.”

Upon his arrival at the University of Kentucky, Bwenge was faced with several immediate barriers that had an affect both athletically and academically.

Foremost on that list was communication. Reared in St. Apollinaire, Quebec (just outside of Quebec City), English was a second language to him. His family – and most everyone in his area – spoke French.

“I’d say 95 percent of the people in my hometown speak French,” Bwenge said. “I knew some English but we really didn’t speak it too much.”

Much of the English he did speak came during his two years at Champlain Prep School in Lennoxville, Quebec. Still, his education didn’t cover everything that he would need to communicate effectively in the Bluegrass.

“I thought I spoke English pretty well and I wasn’t really concerned about that part of coming here, but there were times that I had no idea what some of the other guys were talking about,” Bwenge said. “We didn’t cover slang at my prep school.”

Outside of the communication barrier, Bwenge was also faced with cultural differences between his hometown and Lexington.

“There are some pretty big differences in the lifestyle,” Bwenge said. “Not really better or worse, just different. It takes a little while to feel comfortable in a new place, and that was a little hard at first, but I really don’t even think about any of that any more.”

Something else he really doesn’t have to think about is whether or not he has a future with the Kentucky football program. Seeing considerable time at both tailback and fullback this season, Bwenge has en-trenched himself in the current and future plans of the coaching staff.

“It is really a blessing for us to have a player with Alexis’ level of flexibility,” Car-agher said. “He spent the spring as a tailback but has made a nice adjustment to fullback for us and that allows us to get our best lineup out there. He’s not only picked up on the position, he’s made the move without any resistance. That says a lot about Alexis and the leadership that he brings to the field for us.”

The position change has not only given Bwenge a chance to see regular playing time in his second season, it also has given him a chance to make a significant contribution in both the rushing and passing games. In fact, Bwenge enters tonight’s game against Mississippi State as the Wildcats’ leading ground gainer and is second among the running backs in receptions.

“Really the only difference between tailback and fullback is the mindset,” Bwenge said. “At tailback, you are trying to get away from the defense. At fullback, you try to get at the defense … I love getting the ball and running through the hole for a big gain, but I also feel good about leading through the hole and making the block that lets somebody else run for a big gain. Either way, it feels good to do my part in helping the team to be successful.”

Bwenge’s team-first attitude is not unique, but it is refreshing among the current stereotype of the Division I athlete.

“The way he has approached everything is very pleasant, but it’s not totally surprising,” Caragher said. “A lot of people have personal goals and I know that Alexis does, too. It’s just that his don’t revolve around personal numbers or successes. One person’s success may not be what another person would want. In many ways, Alexis is not your typical college student.”

And that uniqueness will likely extend well beyond Bwenge’s playing career.

A political science major, Bwenge has his sights set on being successful long after his shoulder pads come off for the final time.

“I’d really like to get into the UK Martin School and pursue a career in public administration,” Bwenge said. “I know that it is a pretty competitive school to get into, but it is very well respected and more than worth the effort I’m going to put forward. Hopefully, everything will work out.”

“I have absolutely no doubt that Alexis will be successful in whatever he decides to do with his life,” Caragher said. “If the Martin School is what he wants, they will be fortunate to have him. With his work ethic and commitment, Alexis is going to make a positive impact in a lot of people’s lives.”