There are not many people in this world who go by the name RK, which is just one of the many reasons RK Glover is a one of a kind.
 
A familiar name and face to many on the John Carroll campus, RK Glover is heavily involved in the Carroll community as both a student and athlete. Named after his father, Ronald Glover chose to go by a different name. 

“I didn't want to have two Ronalds in the house, and my friends tell me I don't look like a 'Ron', so RK just kind of stuck,” Glover said. 

But his name isn't the only thing unique about him. RK is a special student at John Carroll, recognized not only for his athletic talent and ability, but also for his academic involvement. 

Glover began his college career at Denison University as a basketball and track and field star, but did not last long in Granville. He would wind up on the doorstep of John Carroll University one year later.

Originally born in Manhattan before settling in to what he considers his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Glover was no stranger to new experiences. Glover's transition to a new school was an easy one, already knowing two JCU students from his hometown, his current girlfriend Katy Kopp, and his best friend, Steve Kedzuf. 

“I wanted to go to a smaller school outside of Minnesota," Glover explained, "and I had two people who really cared about me here so that helped make my decision easier." 

After finding his new home at John Carroll as a sophomore, Glover began focusing on his academics and track and field, immediately excelling at both.
 
"John Carroll is definitely looked upon favorably where I'm from," he added, "so I knew I'd have a good experience here academically and athletically.”
 
Glover became a top performer for the JCU Track and Field team for long jump, high jump, and 200-meter dash in 2008, quickly proving to be an important addition to the Blue Streaks team. Even more of an asset in 2009, Glover was the top performer in three additional events as well, including the triple jump, the 200-meter relay, and the 400-meter relay.
 
But for all his success, his athletic career has not always moved along a smooth path. Since high school, he has suffered from Osgood-Schlatters disease, the most common cause of knee pain in young athletes.
 
"It really hindered me at first," Glover remembers, "but then I found a miracle working with a physical trainer that really helped me overcome it. I think I've definitely come back stronger now because of it.”
 
Determined to remain in the sport, Glover worked hard to persevere, but his obstacles weren't over yet. A mid-season injury last year ultimately prevented Glover from being able to participate in the OAC championship.
 
“I tried to recover too soon and ended up getting hurt more” Glover said. “As a result, I wasn't able to compete at the OAC's, and that was a huge disappointment for me."
 
After a year of recovery, Glover has now returned even stronger this season, with much more to prove. Glover recently earned All-Ohio accolades competing in the Division III All-Ohio Indoor Track and Field Championships with a second place finish in the triple jump. His mark of 43-08 (13.31 meters) was just nine inches shy of a school record.
 
Glover attributes much of his athletic success to his fellow teammates.
 
“Our jumping crew is really tight-knit group," said Glover. "There is ten of us and we definitely work together. Even though it's considered an individual sport at times, if someone's doing really well, we can help push the others and encourage them to perform well too.” 

Glover also receives guidance from the supportive JCU coaching staff.
 
“Our jumping coach Kathy Glowe is a trip, she's just awesome,” boasts Glover. “She knows when to work and when to have fun. I have nothing but great things to say about her.”

Coach Kathy Glowe, a former JCU student herself, sees Glover as one of her most promising athletes. When Coach Glowe first met Glover, she saw him as a good jumper with the ability to be great.
 
“When he came to us from Dennison I saw so much ability in him,” said Glowe. “RK is one of the kids that I really think can do amazing things athletically. I've been pushing him for three years, and this year I think he has the potential to be a national qualifier.”

Coach Glowe has certainly had an impact on Glover's performance, and even has her own special way of making sure he reaches his potential.

“Every competition last year we had a goal for him to meet, and if he didn't meet that goal, I got (to keep) his diamond earrings," explained Coach Glowe, “I wouldn't even talk about his technique or strategy, I'd just threaten him with his earrings and he knew he had to push himself.” 

When Glover failed to reach his goal in one meet, Coach Glowe remembers Glover willingly giving up his earrings. 

“I had them for a full week,” said Coach Glowe, “and I wore them everyday!”
 
Glover's efforts aren't limited to just his athletic ability; he is also a dedicated student. Glover takes advantage of the academic opportunities that JCU has to offer by being involved in many ways, including SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) and the Business Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi.

“I have an executive position in SIFE currently, and it's really opened a lot of doors for me,” Glover explains.
 
SIFE is open to all students and allows you to plan, organize and execute service projects. SIFE Advisory Board members come from many different businesses in northeast Ohio and provide coaching and instructions for the members.
 
“It's an organization with a purpose,” said Glover, “we do something meaningful so that we can look back and say 'wow, I've really made a difference', and that's what I like about it”. 

Glover has used his experience in SIFE to help host a networking event at JCU for the second time this year, including 150 people and 40 executives. 

“It was a really cool experience that SIFE offered me”, Glover said. “I encourage everyone to get involved. SIFE can be a great tool if you take the opportunity to get involved with it.” 

Glover also dedicates his time to his current Marketing and Promotions internship with Chipotle. He uses his experience there to work with the Beta and Theta Greek life and the Carroll News to do promotions involving his company. Glover also helped to incorporate the 100-point Chipotle challenge into the JCU basketball program. 

“I went to the athletic department with a great idea to involve my internship experience with JCU athletics,” Glover said, “and what we came up with was the 100-point challenge.” 

For every home basketball game during the regular season, if the men or women scored 100 points or more in a winning effort, everyone in the stands received a gift card for free chips and salsa at the Chipotle restaurant in the nearby Legacy Village shopping center. The challenge has been met twice this year, once by each team. 

Glover hopes to utilize his experience at John Carroll in the future.
 
“I'd love to pursue a career similar to the internship I have right now," Glover said. “I'd like to graduate and work for a few years, and then eventually get my masters degree by using what I learned from my work experience.” 

Whether his future leads him back to Minnesota, or whether he continues his success in Cleveland, RK Glover has definitely made the best out of his time at John Carroll.
 
“I would have started here if I could,” Glover admits, “It was definitely a better choice for me both academically and athletically, and I think I've made the most of it so far.”