Je'Von Hutchison won MEAC titles in the 400-meter dash and 4x400-meter relay during this past indoor season, helping the Pirates win their first MEAC indoor crown since 2003. He was named First Team All-MEAC in both events, before earning Second Team All-MEAC honors in the 400-meter dash in the outdoor season. Hutchison will be competing this weekend in the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore., running in both the 4x400-meter relay and the 400-meter dash. Hutchison ran a season-best 45.71 in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA East Preliminary to clinch his spot to compete for a national title.
 
 
What made you decide to come to Hampton?
 
I was offered a full scholarship, and it was far away from home. I felt like I needed a new environment, and Hampton offered me that.
 
Describe your experience of being a student-athlete at Hampton.
 
It's been challenging, but it's been fun. I struggled at first with juggling the workload that comes with being both a student and an athlete. Finding that balance was tough at first.
 
What's the biggest change you've seen in yourself between when you first got to Hampton and now?
 
I'm a lot more responsible.
 
What are some of your hobbies? What do you enjoy outside of the competitive arena and the classroom?
 
I like to sing, go to the beach … hang out with my teammates, just doing whatever, whether it's going bowling or anything like that.
 
What's your favorite food?
 
Pizza. If we're going with restaurants, I love Olive Garden.
 
Among the teammates you've had over the years, who's been your best friend?
 
Larry Ramirez and Keenan Allen.
 
You've interacted with a lot of different staff members over the years in athletics; who has been there for you the most (not coach)?          
 
Mrs. Winston (Coordinator of Athletic Academic Support); she's beyond helpful in just about every aspect of our academic lives here. She helps us with anything we need, and even if she doesn't have the answer, she'll find it or point us to who does. She's been a great safety net for us.
 
What's your major, and how did you come to choose that?
 
I'm working on a 5-year MBA, because I always knew I wanted to go into business. I already decided to come to Hampton before finding out there was a 5-year MBA, so finding that was a plus. I'm not sure what exactly I want to do yet, but I do want to get into business.
 
Is there anything you haven't accomplished yet at Hampton that you hope to accomplish this year?
 
I want to qualify for nationals and become an All-American.
 
What are your plans after graduating?
 
Well, I still have a year to go in my MBA program, and I want to continue running for a couple years after school, see how that goes.
 
Any parting words for your teammates or anyone who may be coming to Hampton in the future?
 
Take it all in while you have the chance, because your time here will fly by. Also, keep in mind that everything that happens here happens for a reason; you may not know it at first, but eventually, you'll understand.