Aug. 27, 2008
Note - The Patriot League is profiling one student-athlete from each of the seven football-playing institutions ahead of the 2008 season. The interviews were conducted at the 2008 Patriot League Football Media Day on July 31. Stories will be released in alphabetical order by school, and can be found here along with a video clip from a student-athlete from each of the schools.
Georgetown's Umar Carrying on a Legacy
By Matt Dougherty, Patriot League Media Relations Director
Student-athletes often strive to leave their mark on their program, and make a lasting impact on their school's legacy during their four years.
There are few legacies or traditions at any school that carry more significance than the selection of the player that wears the No. 35 memorial jersey for the Georgetown University football team. The No. 35 jersey has been presented each year since 2003 to a member of the team who shows extreme dedication to the community and the football program. It is in memory of former team captain Joe Eacobacci, who was killed on September 11, 2001 while working as an energy trader for the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, which was headquartered on the 105th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.
Matt Fronczke, Michael Ononibaku Alex Buzbee and Stephen Smith all carried on the legacy of the No. 35.....and senior defensive end Nick Umar is prepared to add his name to the prestigious honor in 2008 while also serving as a team co-captain.
"It is a huge responsibility and honor," Umar said. "It is a great thing when at least 10 guys on our team could have been in this position. I have huge shoes to fill and I have been given a huge responsibility to lead this team."
Umar hopes his leadership directs the Hoyas to a successful season. The Hoyas are coming off a 1-10 campaign and picked seventh in the Patriot League preseason poll, but Umar believes they have what it takes to exceed expectations in 2008.
"We haven't had the success we'd like to see yet but we were a young team and still have a lot of young guys," Umar said. "Those younger guys saw time last year and now we can build on that experience. It is time for our team to grow up, work hard and get on the field and win."
Umar has looked forward to turning the tide in the Georgetown football program since he set foot on campus in 2004, which helped influence his decision to attend the University.
"I saw Georgetown as a program on the rise - a challenge. I thought I could be a part of something big in turning such a prestigious school into a school with a prestigious football team," Umar said. "Georgetown is in a great area with a lot happening."
A Belle Mead, New Jersey native, Umar wants to stay involved in the game after he finishes his senior season, but for now he is just focused on making Georgetown a player in the Patriot League in 2008.
"The Patriot League has great rivalries. It is exciting to play in the League and I'm sure it is fun for the fans to watch," Umar said. "Now I'm just looking forward to the season."
