Scholar Stories: Hancock Finds Like-Minded Engineers in U-M Cross Country Program
10/12/2022 10:00:00 AM | Men's Cross Country, Features
By Melissa Vozar
Growing up, Dearborn, Mich., native Anthony Hancock had no idea that the opportunity to continue his passion for running and complete his studies was only 40 minutes away.
"I did not have any clue where I would go," said Hancock.
As the junior distance runner enters his third year at the University of Michigan, he knows he made the right decision. While the close proximity to his hometown was an influential factor in his decision to attend Michigan, he also notes how valuable the prestigious athletic program and energetic fans were in his decision.
"I really like how close we are to athletics and all the fan base," he said.
Currently, Hancock has been a valuable asset to the Wolverine men's cross country team, running in the first two meets in the season and coming off an appearance at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships.
When Hancock is not running, he is challenging himself academically in the classroom, studying mechanical engineering at Michigan. U-M's College of Engineering is one of the top programs in the nation, taking the No. 6 spot for overall ranking of undergraduate programs according to the U.S News and World Report.
Prior to his start at Michigan, Hancock knew he wanted to study engineering.
"I knew I wanted to do engineering because I really like math and science and those form a really good blend in engineering," he said.
While Hancock initially wanted to focus on engineering, he was unsure about what discipline within engineering was right for him. He decided on mechanical engineering because it combines various fields of engineering into one.
"I wasn't really sure which one to do," he said. "I was thinking between biomedical and aerospace, and mechanical encompasses all of those. It's broader, more general."
Hancock touched on how valuable this semester has been in continuing his excitement for engineering and that it has allowed him to work more hands on than past semesters.
"In the past, I have taken very math-heavy classes where it's just math and only knowing the physics side of it, but now it's actually getting hands on with material," said Hancock.
One of the courses he currently is taking is a more rigorous upper-level course.
"This semester is my first mechanical hands-on design course," he said. "I'm taking Design and Manufacturing I, and it's definitely tough but at the end of the day I'm learning more, getting a more hands-on experience and just taking in all the information I can."
Hancock recognizes that his success within the program would not be the same without the support and mentorship of a particular teammate, Cole Johnson -- a fifth-year distance runner also studying mechanical engineering.
"There's one older guy who lives with me -- Cole Johnson -- he's also mechanical," Hancock said. "He's going into his last two semesters of mechanical engineering, and he's where I get all my information from about what classes to take -- he knows all the tips and tricks about it."
Michael (left) and Anthony Hancock.
Just as Hancock has established a supportive community with his teammates at Michigan, so too has he curated a strong community of other athletes studying engineering.
"There are also a couple of other athletes that are mechanical that I'm taking classes with, so it has been nice to bounce information off of them because we have very similar schedules," he said.
While Hancock's relationships have been valuable to his success academically, he shares that much of his athletic success is a reflection of his support from his twin and teammate, Michael Hancock. Anthony emphasizes how important having Michael as a teammate throughout his running career has been. Specifically, he is thankful to have Michael with him as they navigate their collegiate running career together.
"It's definitely a benefit to have him here," said Anthony. "We both know most things about each other. It helps having him there, pushing me to do better, not just for yourself but for the whole group of guys."
As he continues to keep himself busy with academics and athletics at Michigan, Hancock mentioned his life outside of college -- his summer job that kept him busy and his new hobby of fishing.
Even though Hancock never expected to be attending the University of Michigan as a child, he is ecstatic to have this opportunity. It has been a rewarding and challenging experience, but he shares that the combination of successful athletics and academics is what brought and continues to attract him to Michigan.
"The atmosphere is electric, they have both great athletics and academics, and it's just a perfect fit," he said.
Players Mentioned
