Santa, caregiver, student-athlete. Fern Creek's Elijah Robertson finds ways to help family
Elijah Robertson walks around like he has an “S” on his chest, according to Fern Creek track and field coach Lutisha Bowen.
“He’s always felt like he had to put his team on his back like Superman,” Bowen said. “That’s how he views himself. He has to take all the load for everybody around him, and he’s responsible for everybody.”
That added sense of responsibility extends to his home life.
Robertson, who competes in the 100, 200, 400 and relay teams for the Tigers, is the fifth of eight children. His father works at the Ford plant while his mother is a nurse with Norton Healthcare, and they're supporting six children in the house plus their two older sons in college. So Robertson, being one of the oldest in the house, pitches in when he can.
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Including playing Santa.
"Right after Christmas is the twins' birthday," said Ozell Robertson, Elijah's father. "I'm a Ford employee, and Ford had been having a lot of shut downs this year. We were shut down that week and my unemployment was messed up, so I had no money. So, Elijah bought the twins birthday presents this year. He bought PlayStation gift cards, Google Play cards, and we always do a snack bag with all their favorite snacks in it. He took care of all of that. It brought tears to my eyes."
Robertson said he was the most hard-headed amongst his siblings, but he learned how much his parents went through in order to support their kids and make sure they had what they needed. Robertson was never asked explicitly to contribute financially or in raising his three younger siblings, but he chose to take on those responsibilities to help his parents out once he turned 16.
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“I learned that my parents did a lot for me,” he said. “And they never asked for anything in return besides (for) me to do good in school and do what I’m supposed to do. Once I got a job and I was able to help around, I naturally got into the form of helping and supporting my family.”
Robertson has made adjustments in order to help out around the house. He attends school on a half-day schedule through Fern Creek's co-op program — a work-study program where students can work part time and attend school on a shorter schedule. Robertson goes to work at Speedwash Car Wash in the afternoon and then goes straight to track and field practice after his shift is over.
When he’s not working or at school, Robertson tends to his younger siblings. Plus, he fills in the gaps around the house whenever he can.
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"I just started getting stuff for the house without people noticing," Robertson said. "I would tell my mom, ‘Everybody’s hungry, you want me to go pick some food up?'"
Robertson has carried a lot on his shoulders for a young man who just turned 18. But Robertson doesn’t feel like he was robbed of any of his childhood. He takes pride in being a dependable son for his parents.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Robertson said. “When your mom and dad raised you your whole life and eventually you get to the point where you can get it done for them, it’s a really great feeling to feel reliable to your family.”
Robertson finds time for himself on the track and in football and wrestling. It gives him a needed break from his family duties, especially during times when his frustrations boiled over.
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“Whenever I did sports, it cleared my mind,” Robertson said. "It gave me something to be happy about."
And Robertson has plenty to be happy about on the track after learning he qualified for this summer’s Nike Outdoor Nationals, a four-day track meet scheduled for June 16-19 at the University of Oregon featuring the best track athletes from around the nation. He qualified after running an 11.13 in the 100-meter dash at the Brother Borgia/Coach Cooper Invitational on April 30.
He's also preparing for June's KHSAA state track and field championships at the University of Kentucky.
“It’s truly a blessing,” Robertson said. “You’re racing against the best of the best. It’s a little nerve-wracking, because this is not something that you were preparing for. But it’s something that God blessed you with, so you got to take your opportunities when God gives you an opportunity.”
Reach Jonathan Saxon at JSaxon@gannett.com or 502-715-1393 and follow him on Twitter at @TheSleepyScribe.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA track and field: Fern Creek's Elijah Robertson helps family
