WASHINGTON, DC --- This afternoon, the Howard men's soccer team will conclude its 2015 campaign with a home match against fellow Sun Belt member Hartwick College.

We place our "Senior Spotlight" on seniors Peyton Atteloney, Warren Dennis, Sam Howard, Chika Okegbe and Anthony Rose.

WHAT MADE YOU COME TO HOWARD?
PA: My sister went to Howard and graduated in 2007 so I was familiar with the campus. I got recruited here and I loved the campus and the environment. I got a good feel for the school.

WD: What made me come to Howard was to be a part of something that can only exist at Howard University, the appreciation for diversity in academics and motivating our peers to be successful. I knew it would give me the opportunity to explore and develop as a man.

SH: After graduating from La Salle University last spring, I was looking for an opportunity to continue playing soccer while starting my graduate studies. Howard ended up being a great fit because of its academic reputation, proximity to home (Takoma Park, MD), and strong soccer history.

CO: I came to Howard because I wanted a more diverse school experience away from home. I heard this was the place to succeed if you were of African American descent. Knowing that a lot of Fortune 500 companies recruited here really excited me because of the endless amount of opportunities.

AR: When looking for schools to attend, I had my own list of criteria. Number one, I wanted to play at the Division 1 level. Next, I wanted my school to be in or near a major city, and the next couple things I wanted: to be in diverse environment not too far from home. And Howard fit all those things.


WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM YOUR TIME AT HOWARD?
PA: Howard Homecoming 2012 was probably my favorite moment at Howard. 

WD: One of my favorite moments was Homecoming my freshman year. It was a great environment to be in with the alumni and friends from all over.

SH: Our tie at James Madison. It was a team effort from everyone who saw the field and the hardest we fought to that point in the season. Although our record did not reflect it, this game was a turning moment in our season and sent us into the conference play with some momentum. 

CO: I found the pep rally really interesting, where we could be acknowledged as student athletes assuring the student body that we want to bring recognition and positivity to the program and department as a whole.

AR: Some of my favorite moments from my time at Howard University were the team film sessions my freshman year.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT YOUR SENIOR SEASON?
PA: Getting to know all of my new teammates.

WD: What I enjoyed most about my senior season was the bond and willing to develop as a team amongst a team of mostly freshman.  It shows the desire for a better future of the program.

SH: Being a part of the turnaround of Howard Men's Soccer. Even though its been a tough season, I've seen this team grow more in 3 months than any group I've been a part of. We're a young group and I'm sure I'll be proud of what this group of young men will accomplish in the coming years.

CO: What I have enjoyed the most about the senior season is watching my younger teammates grow and mature both on and off the field. These lads are my family and I am happy that I could know them.

AR: Being around my teammates and growing through adversity.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING A HOWARD STUDENT-ATHLETE?
PA: I'll miss the free food, traveling, gear and being part of a team.

WD: I will miss the team more than anything because nobody wants what's best for you more than your teammates.  They are your biggest support group.

SH: Probably being able to go out an compete every day to get better with my teammates and coaches.

CO: What I will miss the most about being a student athlete is just being active and hanging out with the lads.

AR: Just being able to keep playing the sport I loved for so many years. 

ANY OTHER WORDS YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR OTHER TEAMMATES OR THE BISON FAITHFUL?
PA: Keep your heads up and stay together as a team.

WD: Do not take anything for granted.  These four years go by fast and not every game or season is guaranteed because when it is all said and done, you will have wanted to leave a legacy behind as well as not having any regrets.

SH: Playing Division I athletics is a honor that not many people get to experience. Its important to remember this and to work every day to earn that honor.

CO: I want to say that it is not by accident that we are where we are. Whenever pressure stands before us, rather than caving in, we should embrace it. It's about what we do after that counts. We should be strong together and for each other because it is the only way we will breakthrough.

AR: Make sure to keep the focus on your academics and your athletics.