Neighbors

From the Vikings to the Bulls

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Playing Division 1 football is no joke, says James O’Hagan, the Seaford High School graduate who is starting this fall for the University of Buffalo. The four-year varsity player for the Seaford Vikings is the center for the Bulls, which are 2-3 so far this season.

While this is O’Hagan’s sophomore year at Buffalo, this is his first year on the field. He was “red-shirted” last year in an effort to ensure that he would have four years of eligibility going forward, per NCAA regulations. In a year on the sidelines he got to know his teammates, learned Bulls strategy and prepared himself to meet the physical demands of a 12-game season. “It really motivated me, because you want to be out there and you want to be contributing to a team win,” he said. “I think that the hard work paid off.”

The 2014 Seaford graduate played tackle on offense and defense during his four years there, and said the coaches always demanded the best from their players. That has prepared him for the expectations of playing on a college team, he added.

But even playing for a successful high school football program in Seaford doesn’t compare to the next level, he said. “It’s two different worlds, honestly,” said O’Hagan, 19. “College football is more of a 24/7 thing. In college, you’ve got to do so much more work.”

Team practices take up much of the time he is not in class, but he said he still finds time to study. He is a history major, and plans to specialize in American history. “You always find a way to get it done,” he said of his work. “All the guys on the team do.”

In addition to football, O’Hagan was a successful wrestler in high school. He was a New York state champion, a two-time All-State wrestler, a three-time All-American and was National High School Coaches Association 2014 Senior Tournament champion in the 285-pound weight class. He stands 6-foot-2, and now weighs 293 pounds.

He received several offers to continue wrestling in college, but wanted to pursue football, which he says is his true love. The only offer came from Buffalo. “You get more of the team aspect with football,” he said. “There is something special about the football bond that everyone has.”

O’Hagan also said he likes the big crowds that football draws, and playing in front of tens of thousands of fans.

He got his start playing for the Seaford-based Long Island Broncos youth football league when he was in elementary school. His brother, Brendan, 12, is in his last year playing for the Broncos and is also on the Seaford Middle School team. “He does pretty well for himself,” James said, adding that he hopes his achievement will inspire his brother to play college ball.

O’Hagan said he wouldn’t be where he is without the support of his family. His parents paid for him to have a trainer at home, and often make the several-hour trek to Buffalo to watch his games.

Admittedly not the most athletic player on the team, O’Hagan said he hopes to make up for it with a positive attitude and toughness. He doesn’t rest on his laurels, and has a strong desire to improve his game. He said he likes watching films of players whom he considers better than he is. “I think I’ve been playing OK,” he said. “I’ve got a lot to improve on. I’ve just got to work hard, get bigger, get stronger, get faster.”

Seaford varsity coach Rob Perpall, one of the people O’Hagan credited for helping his development, is thrilled to see his former player doing well. “James O’Hagan’s success serves as a great motivation for all Seaford athletes,” Perpall said. “His dedication, hard work and never-quit attitude speaks volumes. It’s nice to see that good guys don’t finish last, as this ‘good guy’ finished first in my book.”

No moment may top the first home game for O’Hagan on Sept. 5 against SUNY Albany, a televised matchup that Buffalo won 51-14. Growing close with his teammates has also made the young season an enjoyable experience, he said.

O’Hagan, like many college football players, aspires to play in the NFL. First, he wants to have a successful career at Buffalo, and show everyone that he plays with heart. “It’s just an honor to play with such great players and have such great coaches,” he said. “Anything after college football would be a cherry on top.”