Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

Winona State University's Newspaper since 1919

The Winonan

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Ojika capitalizing on opportunities with Warriors

Christian Sopkowiak/Winonan

With less than minute to play in his final Homecoming game, Chichi Ojika, a man who has always wanted to get his chance to shine, caught a screen pass from quarterback Jack Nelson and took it 65 yards for the game-winning touchdown against Wayne State. The game was over, 45-41, and Ojika had made the difference.

“I took it for 65 yards for a touchdown. That is a play I will remember for the rest of my life. That is a play I will tell my kids about,” Ojika said.

Ojika, a senior majoring in communication studies, grew up in New Brighton and played football and track with a good amount of success.

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He decided to come to Winona because of their great record of winning and because of the chance to play.

Ojika found himself behind Rayon Simmons and Theo Burkett.

“I stuck with it; it was tough being behind people. But, when I got my number called, I took advantage of it this senior year,” Ojika said.

In 2013, a year in which he rushed for 1,152 yards and nine touchdowns and averaging six yards per carry, Ojika earned various honors.

Ojika was named to the 2013 Don Hansen Super Region Three team, claiming third team honors as an all-purpose back. He also was an all-conference second team honoree for the second year in a row.

“I came in the year that Winona’s top three rushers graduated and I expected to get my chance. It was unfortunate that I sat for three years, but I think I made the difference when I was asked to perform,” Ojika said.

Ojika rushed for over 100 yards six times in 2013. His best game statistically came again Minot State in which he rushed for 242 yards, which is the third highest in a single game in Winona State history. He also rushed for 181 at Sioux Falls and 190 yards at Southwest Minnesota State.

“My biggest hero is my dad. He came over here from Nigeria. He lived on his own and told me that you have to take the opportunities when they are presented in front of you. He told me that life is tough, but you have to focus on reaching your goal,” Ojika said.

Ojika ranked second in the NSIC and 17th nationally in all-purpose yards and he finished 28th in the nation in rushing yards. Ojika plans to keep taking the opportunities that are presented to him.

“I am going to be finishing school, first of all. Then, I have been in contact with some teams overseas about playing. If that doesn’t go through, I want to coach. I want to be participating in anything involving sports. I would love to work for the Vikings or high school sports,” Ojika said.

Contact Christian at [email protected]

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