Recently we had a chance to speak with Sacred Heart football player Kayode Mayowa. A two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year, Mayowa led Sacred Heart to its first league championship in 2001.  After defeating Duquesne in the 2001 ECAC Football Classic (31-15), Sacred Heart became the second team in NEC history to finish the season with a perfect record at 11-0 (Robert Morris went 10-0 in 2000). The Pioneers have tallied an incredible 28-4 record over the last three seasons. A 2000 AP All-America and a 2001 Sports Network All-America, Mayowa paced the Pioneers with 93 tackles and led the conference with five fumble recoveries, while scoring three defensive touchdowns in his 2001 campaign. Recently, the Providence, Rhode Island native added yet another honor to his growing collection when he became the NEC’s all-time tackles leader on September 14, bringing his career total to 361 takedowns. The senior linebacker has since upped his total to 447 and ranks second in the NEC with 113 stops on the season, reaching the 100-tackle mark for the third time in his career. Sacred Heart finished the 2002 campaign tied for second place in the league standings (7-3, 5-2 NEC). Mayowa led the Sacred Heart defense with four sacks in the Pioneers’ season finale victory over Iona (30-3), holding the Gaels to just 10 yards of total offense.

Name: Kayode Mayowa
School: Sacred Heart
Sport: Football
Year: Senior

Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
High school: LaSalle Academy
Major: Business Administration
Notable Award: Two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year,
Two-time NEC First Team All-Conference

Favorite TV show: Cosby Show
Favorite Movie: Remember The Titans
Favorite Music: Hip Hop/R&B
Favorite Class/Professor: Intercultural Management/Prof. Blau
Hobbies: Lifting and playing basketball                
Sports Hero: Michael Jordan and John Elway

NEC: Why did you choose to come to Sacred Heart?
KM: I liked the atmosphere and I wanted to play football at SHU. It’s a great community of friends and faculty.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
KM: I would love to play football at the next level. If that doesn’t happen I might get my masters degree and coach. I also might pursue a career in marketing

NEC: What was it like to beat Duquesne in the 2001 ECAC Football Classic?
KM: It was a dream come true. Athletes always dream of playing in a bowl game and we had the chance. It was a great feeling to win and receive some recognition. Duquesne put up a good fight, but we accomplished something great that day.

NEC: What does Albany need to do in order to win this weekend’s Bowl game?
KM: Albany needs to control possession and attack with a ground game. It’s important for them to limit turnovers and special teams are key. I want Albany to win and represent the NEC, but Duquesne looks tough.

NEC: What did the change in coach from Jim Fleming to Bill Lacey do to the team?
KM: It did not have a huge affect. I was mad that Fleming left, but Lacey did a great job coaching this year. Lacey has helped me grow as a person. He faced a lot of pressure, did a good job and will continue to do well at SHU.

NEC: How much did the loss of Justin Holtfreter, Marvin Royal and Dev Johnson hurt the team this year?
KM: We lost leadership both on and off the field. They always led by example, so it was hard to replace them. It was a big loss but we had confidence we could step up to the challenge. This year we had different ways to mix it up.

NEC: What teams did you look forward to playing each year?
KM: There was a great rivalry with Wagner and Albany. The last three years have been battles at the end of the games. It seems like the games always went to overtime. Two years ago we had great games versus both teams that ended in overtime. We couldn’t wait to play these teams. We played hard and really respected each other.

NEC: Where do you see SHU football in the future?
KM: The program is definitely headed in the right direction. Some players to watch are Brian Pawlowski and Marlon Ward who have so much potential. Craig Kohan has the hunger and desire to make him a great linebacker. Terrance White is a vocal leader and has all the skills to succeed. Also, Pete Athans is a great leader who always goes hard.

 NEC: What do you think about the level of play in the NEC from the time you entered the league until now?
KM: When I entered the league it seemed like there was two teams on top. Robert Morris was dominant and they were all you ever heard about. The last couple of years there is more competition. St. Francis is a dangerous team. Stony Brook has improved a lot. The balance is shifting and you never know who is going to win.

NEC:  How long have you been playing?
KM: I have been playing since I was eight years old.

NEC: How did you get started?
KM: People encouraged me to play and all my friends were playing. I really liked the game.

NEC: How does it feel to be a two-time NEC Defensive Player of the Year?
KM: It’s a great honor, but I wouldn’t be Defensive Player of the Year without the help of my teammates and coaches. My front line deserves a lot of the credit, as well as my coaches. They push me, make me better and keep me free to make plays. This award is one of my goals; I want to be the best defensive player in the league.

NEC: What is the toughest aspect of being a linebacker?
KM: Getting off blocks and being able to stay on my feet. It’s also difficult to know what players are going to do. The mental aspect of the game is tough.

NEC: What’s the best part about being a linebacker?
KM: The best part is being able to deliver blows to people. I take pride in making big hits. It’s great to hit people and let the other team know you are going to be there all day.

NEC: Name some aspects of your game that make you a great defender?
KM: My quickness and knowing the other teams tendencies. I have a firm knowledge of the game.

NEC: Who are some players you respect on defense?
KM: Shaun Hubbard does a great job. Pete Athans goes hard all the time. Craig Capurso does the little things consistently and Butch Ruta gives 100% effort on every play.

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
KM: All of my coaches have been very influential. My high school coaches saw potential in me and my college coaches taught me control. Coach Fleming knows everything about the game and he gave me confidence. Coach Lacey made me tougher and more knowledgeable of the game.

NEC: What is the most important attribute a football player needs?
KM: A football player needs to be disciplined and 100% focused at all times. They also need to be hard working and responsible. We have saying on our team, “Holding the rope,” which means take care of your job. If we all do our assignments then everything is alright. We depend on each other.

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?

KM: Last years bowl game versus Duquesne was a great moment. It was the best feeling to finally be national champs. Another very memorable moment was our 35-28 victory over Albany two years ago. There was just so much emotion in that game. We beat them in overtime and that was the greatest moment of my career.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern