2008 Woodie Awards
"Bo Knows," Ehikioya now mentors from the sideline
Eric Zedalis
Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: Sports
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Obozua "Bo" Ehikioya has had an impact on the Marist football program since the day he set foot on campus.
Three years later, in what would have likely been a break-out junior season for this pre-season All-American if not for a broken bone in his right wrist, Ehikioya somehow continues to have an impact, but from the sideline.
The 5'11", 220 pound running back from West Hempstead, NY said he suffered the injury two days before the team's first game against Central Connecticut State, but played on using only his left hand to carry the football.
After Marist won its next game at home against Sacred Heart, Ehikioya had medical personnel take a look at that right wrist, and they deemed it necessary for him to sit out on a week-to-week basis.
Without Ehikioya, the Red Foxes lost their next two games, scoring a combined seven points in both of those contests.
Head coach Jim Parady has gone to a running back-by-committee system, using Keith Mitchell, Adam Hansen, and Frank Farrington.
Parady said that these backs have done a good job learning their assignments and stepping up in Ehikioya's absence.
"Guys that have filled in for him have done a nice job for us," Parady said. "I feel that we've been good at the running back position in his absence. We can't wait for him to come back, but without him, I think we've been okay."
But what Marist misses most from Ehikioya is his athleticism, which enables him to make big plays out of nothing.
"I think what he gives you is the ability to break tackles and make people miss at the second and third level," Parady said. "That's something that I don't think any other running back in our program can give us."
Meanwhile, Ehikioya said it is painful to watch the game from the sideline since he has had a major role in the Red Fox offense since his freshman year.
"It hurts a lot not being able to go out and help your team win," he said. "I've been playing for a couple of years, and I feel like I'm a piece of the offense out there, and I want to be out there playing."
But rather than sulk or abandon his teammates altogether, Ehikioya has taken on the role of mentor for the running backs, keeping their morale up.
"Now I just keep the guys motivated. Keep their heads up on offense. Injuries happen. You just have to keep going any way you can," he said.
Parady said that despite how hard it must be for him, Ehikioya has been more than just a cheerleader on the sideline, he has become another set of eyes for the running backs.
"He's been great [on the sideline]. It's hard for him because it's the first time in his career that he's been on a sideline. From day one he's been on the field for us," he said. "But he's been very encouraging, and he helps the running backs who are playing in the game. He gives them tips on what is going on in the game. I'm sure it's hard for him with the injury, but he's really overcome that mentally."
Ehikioya's return still remains in question.
Three years later, in what would have likely been a break-out junior season for this pre-season All-American if not for a broken bone in his right wrist, Ehikioya somehow continues to have an impact, but from the sideline.
The 5'11", 220 pound running back from West Hempstead, NY said he suffered the injury two days before the team's first game against Central Connecticut State, but played on using only his left hand to carry the football.
After Marist won its next game at home against Sacred Heart, Ehikioya had medical personnel take a look at that right wrist, and they deemed it necessary for him to sit out on a week-to-week basis.
Without Ehikioya, the Red Foxes lost their next two games, scoring a combined seven points in both of those contests.
Head coach Jim Parady has gone to a running back-by-committee system, using Keith Mitchell, Adam Hansen, and Frank Farrington.
Parady said that these backs have done a good job learning their assignments and stepping up in Ehikioya's absence.
"Guys that have filled in for him have done a nice job for us," Parady said. "I feel that we've been good at the running back position in his absence. We can't wait for him to come back, but without him, I think we've been okay."
But what Marist misses most from Ehikioya is his athleticism, which enables him to make big plays out of nothing.
"I think what he gives you is the ability to break tackles and make people miss at the second and third level," Parady said. "That's something that I don't think any other running back in our program can give us."
Meanwhile, Ehikioya said it is painful to watch the game from the sideline since he has had a major role in the Red Fox offense since his freshman year.
"It hurts a lot not being able to go out and help your team win," he said. "I've been playing for a couple of years, and I feel like I'm a piece of the offense out there, and I want to be out there playing."
But rather than sulk or abandon his teammates altogether, Ehikioya has taken on the role of mentor for the running backs, keeping their morale up.
"Now I just keep the guys motivated. Keep their heads up on offense. Injuries happen. You just have to keep going any way you can," he said.
Parady said that despite how hard it must be for him, Ehikioya has been more than just a cheerleader on the sideline, he has become another set of eyes for the running backs.
"He's been great [on the sideline]. It's hard for him because it's the first time in his career that he's been on a sideline. From day one he's been on the field for us," he said. "But he's been very encouraging, and he helps the running backs who are playing in the game. He gives them tips on what is going on in the game. I'm sure it's hard for him with the injury, but he's really overcome that mentally."
Ehikioya's return still remains in question.
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