Seun Omonije ’18: the art of computer science major at Yale

February 5, 2021 Day to day, Seun Omonije ’18 manages to balance two rigorous lifestyles at Yale University: life as a computer science major and life as football player.

The 6 a.m. alarm goes off for the fifth consecutive day.

Legs aching with pain after yesterday’s practice in the freezing Connecticut weather, he manages to find enough strength to roll out of bed and drag himself to the showers down the hall.

Just 30 minutes later, he throws on his beanie and walks over to the workout facility just a couple minutes from his apartment. Here, he is met by nearly 100 teammates ready for another day as a Yale football player.

After grinding out several sets of squats, bench press, weighted pull-ups and various other intense workouts, the easiest part of his day is finally over.

Now back on campus, he prepares for a routine day as a computer science major. For nearly four hours, he devotes himself to courses like intro to quantum computing, data structure and algorithms, software engineering and others.

He looks at his clock; somehow the day is only halfway over.

After classes, he heads back to the facility once again to watch film, practice and eat dinner with the team.

At 9 p.m., finally, he watches his favorite Netflix show to put himself to sleep.

This is the life of Seun Omonije ’18.

Omonije went on to play football as a wide receiver for the Yale University Bulldogs after graduating from the school. While this was a milestone Omonije had dreamed of his whole life, he had even greater ambitions for how he could impact the Yale community: he wanted to epitomize the role of a student-athlete.

Omonije majors in computer science. During the football season, one of the most important components to Seun’s success is his ability to switch gears from being a football player to being a computer-programmer.

“In the fall of freshman year, I went to a lot of parties, and even though I’m still social now, there are a lot of nights where I’ll stay in and do some computer science work instead,” Omonije said. “I go from a guy that’s super hyped up playing football to a nerd hanging out with a bunch of guys ten times smarter than me.”

On average, Omonije balances nearly six hours of football activity with six hours of computerprogramming each day; however, he knows what he is doing is special.

“I believe I’m the first Yale football player in computer science in history,” Omonije said. “So knowing I’m on a mission that is different and I’m blazing my own trail is enough to motivate me to get through the times when I’m tired.”

For Omonije, the football practice facility is a place of comfort where he is able to evaluate his past performances to improve for the future.

“Being at the football facility is kind of like an escape from my hectic life,” Omonije said. “Practice in college is different. There’s a lot more film work because it’s the best way to improve. There isn’t as much of a drop off in talent, so whoever can execute the best on a day will usually play and that has a lot to do with who watches the most film.”

Although Omonije strives for perfection in each of his athletic and academic endeavors, he understands that being a student-athlete at a prestigious university will inevitably present shortcomings.

“One thing that’s important to note is that there are sacrifices that I have to make to get it done,” Omonije said. “I can’t do both perfectly, but I can do both really well and succeed in the classroom and on the football field.”

Seun’s computer-programming skills helped land him an internship with Google where he had first-hand access to new tools and technologies that the company uses. Next year, Omonije plans to further his experience with Google as a Quantum Artificial Intelligence Intern.

“After talking to the head of Quantum Computing at Google, I got another internship for Google Quantum AI next year which I am really looking forward to,” Omonije said. “I’ll be working on quantum compilers and 3D quantum circuits.”

On Sunday, to finish off the long weekend, Seun spends a couple hours at church to decompress and prepare for the new week ahead.

Omonije credits computer science instructor Kurt Tholking for helping inspire his passion for computer programming.

“One thing I love is that Mr. Tholking is very supportive of our dreams,” Omonije said. “I created an iPhone game in his class that I still use in job interviews today. Mr. Tholking really gave us the tools to do what we wanted.”

During his time 10600 Preston Rd., Omonije was surrounded by over-achievers, something that has helped him greatly in college.

“The biggest thing is just understanding that I’m different, and I think that coming from St. Mark’s fostered this attitude,” Omonije said. “Every day, stepping on the St. Mark’s campus and being around people who want to do great things inspired me. St. Mark’s has been a cornerstone in my understanding that anything is possible.”

TYPING AWAY On a daily basis, Seun Omonije ’18 manages to balance two rigorous lifestyles at Yale University: life as a Computer-Science major and life as Bulldog football player.

STORY Luke Nayfa, Rajan Joshi PHOTO Abe Echt

by William Aniol and Arjun Khatti

Ryan McCord ’20 helped make history Nov. 28 against Missouri as the holder for Vanderbilt University kicker Sarah Fuller’s second half kickoff, making her the first female to ever play in a Power Five conference college football game.

Fuller, a soccer goalie fresh off an SEC championship, expressed interest in joining Vanderbilt’s football squad after the Commodores were left without a kicker because of positive COVID-19 tests within the position group.

“We all got a text saying we were having kicker tryouts later that day, and anyone who could make it would be great,” McCord said. “The one long snapper who didn’t get COVID texted our group chat saying, ‘We might have a girl kicker.’ We were all really confused.” As all of the school’s regular students had left campus already, the Commodores lacked the ability to add anyone new to the team.

“The only people who were still there were the members of the soccer team,” McCord said. “And [head football] coach [Derek] Mason just reached out to the head coach of the soccer team and asked, ‘Do you have any people who can kick? We don’t have any kickers; we really need someone.’ So she tried out, and I heard she did really well.”

McCord, a freshman cornerback for the Commodores, is also the backside safety for the kickoff team. Because Fuller was used to kicking the ball off the ground, the team decided to use a holder instead of a tee.

“Our coaches told us, ‘We just need someone to hold the ball for her,’” McCord said, “so we changed how the kickoff worked. I always knew I was going to be holding for her, which is kind of strange, but I got used to it during the week of practice [prior to the game].”

Although Fuller’s situation was unique, McCord treated her the same way he treated any of his other teammates.

“She got a lot of support doing what she did,” McCord said. “To me, and to all of us, she was our teammate, and she did what she needed to do. She came in wanting to help the team, and she ended up doing that. She loved it.”

Minutes after the game, McCord found himself pictured in viral photos across all social media platforms. He realizes that this wasn’t a lifechanging moment for him, but he still admits that it was an experience he will always look back on.

“In 50 to 100 years, this will probably be seen as a big moment for women in sports,” McCord said, “but it’s also one of the most random things I’ve ever been a part. To see myself pictured in history, it’s definitely something I’ll never forget.”

Sarah Fuller became the first woman to play in a Power Five football game when she delivered the opening kick of the second half vs Missouri Ryan McCord ‘20 was there to hold the kick.

by Peter Orsak

One day, sports will return to normal.

Fans will pack into Spencer Gym maskless in standing-room-only crowds. The Super Fan Men will lead “You can’t do that” chants to hundreds of students crammed into the stands at Hunt Stadium on Friday nights, while middle schoolers will awkwardly attempt to socialize with the Hockadaises on the back field.

But not today. Today, we are forced to cope with canceled seasons and championships, work out in limitedcapacity gyms, and watch athletes compete in empty arenas.

The vast changes made by professional and collegiate sports leagues in light of the pandemic may seem temporary, but executives and players alike have pushed for a few of these adaptations to stay.

People have been asking for a shortened MLB season for some time now, and with the exhausting 162 game schedule being cut down to 60 for the 2020 season, a push towards a permanent middle ground is in process. In addition, the new universal designated hitter position for both the American and National Leagues introduced last season will likely continue longterm.

In the NBA, a shortened season is being considered as well. Play-in games for the seventh through tenth seeds, an experiment done for the 2020 playoffs, will remain in place for the 2021 season and possibly for seasons to come.

While many of the adaptations made will certainly be temporary, members of the sports world have learned a great deal and have been able to experiment with fresh ideas that could reshape sports forever.

On campus, I hope the outcome of this pandemic will be the same for our Athletic Department. The school has been able to experiment with broadcasting competitions online for students and parents to watch live with the absence of spectators.

As a fan, I hope these livestreams are here to stay. When our basketball team is taking on top schools in the nation on any given weeknight, fans are constantly missing out on primetime competition. These broadcasts are mustsee TV for Lions fans and provide a perfect way to cheer on our classmates from home, strengthening our brotherhood and fan base.

Additionally, the football team spent the summer lifting off-campus at Cooper Clinic in accordance with the school’s guidelines. Off-campus lifts could become a regular occurrance in the future, as some Marksmen travel over an hour to campus every day and would prefer a closer place to work out.

Finally, the Middle School intramural basketball league, comprised of six teams with different coaches and a mix of seventh and eighth-grade athletes, has been an excellent replacement for conference play. With real refs and stat-keeping, these matches are just as competitive as normal games and could be something to experiment with moving forward.

While we don’t know what will stick, members of our community have stepped up and made the necessary changes to adapt to our circumstances. Lions fans can only hope some of these positive changes are here to stay.

Sitting by himself in the stands, sophomore Patrick Flanagan looks out into Hunt Stadium. For athletes, this absence of fans is reality.

Peter Orsak Sports Editor

WNBA Finals

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Without their classmates in the stands due to COVID-19, Lion athletes have to adapt to the changing game atmosphere.

Down, set, hut!

The Lions’ slot receiver releases off the line of scrimmage, sprints ten yards forward with a defender on his right hip, stride-for-stride with him.

He then plants his left foot toward the sideline, exploding into a deep post.

He’s wide open.

Waving his arms in the air, he then looks up and locates the ball flying in his direction.

But it’s high and underthrown, giving the free safety a chance to recover. To make the catch, he’s going to have to climb the ladder.

He goes up, reaches his hands as high as he can, and out jumps the defender to secure the catch in the endzone.

But there isn’t a roar. No screaming or yelling. No chanting his name.

Just a few high fives.

Thanks to COVID-19, this is a new normal all Lion athletes must adapt to –– the stands are empty.

Noticing a significant difference, Trevor Gicheru, a senior wide receiver and defensive back for the Lions’ football team, missed the energy that his classmates added to the game from the stands from years prior.

“The atmosphere changed a lot,” Gicheru said. “I wouldn’t necessarily say it was in a super negative way, but it was definitely different. Someone could make a play that was really, really exciting, and then it just wasn’t the same because there weren’t as many people cheering you on –– it was just the parents that were there.” To fill the void of fans in the stands, Lions football players found themselves having to generate their own energy on the sidelines.

“In the Greenhill game especially, I’d say that we as a team did our best to compensate; we were always pumped up on the sidelines,” Gicheru said, “but I’m just grateful that Coach [Hayward] Lee was able to put together what he could of a season given our COVID issues.”

Knowing this was his final year on campus and his last season wearing the blue and gold, Gicheru appreciated the school’s decision to allow his senior classmates to attend the Lions’ game versus ESD Oct. 30.

“I think it was great that the school let seniors come to that game,” Gicheru said. “It would have been nice if everyone could have come, but considering what we have going on, I 100% understand why they decided to do that. I’d say that definitely helped out at least having some classmates that came to support us.”

During the winter season, the soccer team found themselves in the same boat as the football team. Fresh off of a historic SPC championship run, sophomore central midfielder Nat Fisher and his teammates needed to defend their title without the support of fellow Marksmen cheering them on.

“I miss the fans,” Fisher said. “Last year we had some great experiences such as the SPC final and the Greenhill game. I really wish we could have socially distanced student fans.”

Even without the support of fans, Fisher is still proud to showcase his talents wearing blue and gold.

“The games have felt different but they are still great to play in,” Fisher said. “While we can’t have the entire student body cheering us on, we’ve still been able to represent St. Marks and our parents have been able to watch us.”

Despite the deafening silence, head varsity basketball coach Greg Guiler was able to lead one of the top teams in Texas to victory. Although the silence did not affect him, Guiler still wanted to get as much noise as he could to ensure his players would get a regular game experience.

“We have played two home games with no fans,” Guiler said. “For me, it didn’t make too much of a difference. Doc was announcing games and there was noise from the guys on the bench. The players, however, knew they had to infuse energy into the game and make up for the silence of no fans.”

At first, we weren’t allowed to have any fans, so we missed out on having a great atmosphere like we did last year during the entire SPC tournament.

Sophomore soccer player Playing without fans this year has given Guiler time to reflect and appreciate the role the crowd has in motivating his players and how they helped the team to win the Lions’ biggest games last year.

“I think about the SPC championship last year,” Guiler said. “The semi-final game where the fans were kind of going back and forth from the soccer game and then coming into the gym. There was a stretch where we went down seven or eight points and the fans had come in during halftime of the soccer game and they were stunned to see us have a bad third quarter. Those fans showing up sparked life into us and I think won us that game and ultimately led us to an SPC championship. I think the power of fans is enormous and it’s sad we couldn’t have them home this year.”

February 5, 2021

STORY William Aniol, Dillon Wyatt PHOTO Sal Hussain

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