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What a tragic week it’s been for Emmanuel Omogbo.
Last Monday, his father, mother and two-year old twin niece and nephew were taken too soon, in a house fire in Chillum, MD, just outside of Washington D.C.
Somehow, someway the 20-year old played two days later in Colorado Springs against the Air Force Falcons, looking still in shock the entire time. His teammates pulled together and pulled out a win for their hurting comrade, and then Omogbo left the team to head back to the east coast.
According to a team official, Omogbo and assistant coach Ross Hodge flew back to the D.C. area to be with family in the aftermath of the tragedy. During the broadcast of CSU – Air Force, play-by-play man extraordinaire Drew Goodman reported head coach Larry Eustachy would fly back with Omogbo as well, but per the forward’s request, Eustachy stayed in Fort Collins to be with the team.
There have been no services for Omogbo’s family members yet, as family wish to have the parents taken back to Nigeria.
Omogbo returned to the Rams on Tuesday, practiced, and according to a team official, he’s expected to play tonight.
Out of the bad, comes the good: Six days ago, Colorado State Athletics set up a GoFundMe campaign to help the Omogbo family through this devastating time. Donations have been staggering, especially over the first 24 hours, and currently they sit at $96,770. The original goal was $10,000, which was then raised to $20,000, $50,000 and eventually to $100,000. While many of the donations have come from Ram Nation, people from all across the country have given in a move which makes one feel good about humanity again.
Tonight, head down to Moby Arena to cheer on Emmanuel Omogbo and your 11-8, 3-3 MW Rams host the San Jose State Spartans (6-14, 1-7 MW). The game tips off at 7 p.m. MT.