2014 CIS Football Player to Watch: Ron Omara, StFX X-Men
Source: Krista McKenna, StFX Sports Info & AUS Communications
Name: Ron Omara
University: St. Francis Xavier University
Hometown: Alymer, Que.
High school / Cegep: Ottawa Sooners
Position: Linebacker
Academic program: Arts
Year of eligibility: 5
Height: 6-2
Weight: 240
Key stats in 2013:
62 tackles (2nd CIS), 47 solo tackles (2nd CIS), 7.8 tackles/game (2nd CIS), 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 1 break-up
Awards & honours (since start of CIS career):
- 2011 StFX X-Men rookie of the year
- 2013 CIS second team All-Canadian
- 2013 CIS East-West Bowl participant
- 2013 AUS defensive player of the year
- 2013 AUS defensive all-star (LB)
- 2013 StFX X-Men most valuable player
- 2013-14 StFX Male Student-Athlete of the Year
PROFILE
After missing half of the 2012 season due to injury, StFX linebacker Ron Omara was named the top defensive player in the conference last season, garnering the AUS defensive player of the year award, along with being recognized as an AUS all-star.
In eight games played, Ron collected 62 total tackles including 47 solo tackles to lead the conference and was second overall in the country.
A CIS second team all-Canadian and most valuable player of the X-Men, Ron also led the AUS in tackles per game with 7.8 and recorded 3 sacks, 6 tackles for a loss of 32 yards, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 1 break-up.
Ron will be called upon to lead the X-Men defense as he enters into his fourth season with the team and is up for the task commenting, "This season, there is a lot at stake. The conference will be wide open once again, and the expectations will be high for us. I believe we have a great group of players and a solid coaching staff that can get on the same page and make a run for an AUS title."
"I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the team as much as I can, as I believe my teammates will do as well. My biggest expectation is ultimately for the X-Men to be competitors, which, in return, will spark a special season."
The 2014 StFX Male Athlete of the Year competed for the East squad in the CIS East West Bowl this past spring, recording a key interception late in the fourth quarter that he returned for 41 yards to help secure a 19-12 East victory. Ron also had one solo and two assisted tackles in the game.
X-Men Head Coach Gary Waterman on Ron Omara:
"Ron Omara is coming off an outstanding year where he was named AUS Defensive Player of the Year and StFX Male Athlete of the Year. He is one of our team captains, volunteers in the community and is a member of our Unity Council. Simply put, Ron is a terrific person and an impact football player. We look forward to another big year from him."
Getting to Know Ron Omara:
Nickname: Omara
My favorite StFX sporting moment to date is…
Defeating the Concordia Stingers at their home field.
My favorite Disney movie or character is…
Simba from the Lion King
My biggest pet peeve is…
When people with bad breath talk directly in front of your
face.
My dream job is…
To be happy
My biggest fan is…
My Family
Tell us something interesting about your hometown?
It's right next to the nation's capital.
Favorites:
Color: Blue
Number: 42
Food: Burgers
Holiday: Christmas
Social Media: I just have Facebook
TV show: Spartacus
Vacation spot: Uganda
Singer/Band: Can't just pick one
Item of clothing: Athletic gear/V-necks
Pro sports team: New England Patriots
Pro sports athlete: Tom Brady
Ron Omara's Career Stats Summary:
(Click
here for full profile/career stats)
DEFENSE GP TKL AST TOT TKL/G SCK YDS TFL YDS FF FR INT YDS BRUP ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2011 7 32 16 40.0 5.7 1 8 4.0 13 1 - 1 16 2 2012 4 17 5 19.5 4.9 1 3 3.5 8 1 - - - - 2013 8 47 30 62.0 7.8 3 24 6.0 32 2 - 1 17 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 19 96 51 121.5 6.1 5 35 13.5 53 4 - 2 33 3