Gideon Ituka, a redshirt sophomore running back for the Badgers is a prime example of what it means to be a student athlete at the University of Wisconsin. In this Q&A, Ituka discusses his journey, playing at Camp Randall and how he defines success.
What was it about Wisconsin that really drew you here?
I think it’s just the culture that they have here. I mean, this school is RBU [Running Back University], and I take that to heart. Coming to a school like this, having a lot of great running backs come through and wanting to be that next great running back coming through here, but also it’s the brotherhood that’s here. I mean, just from outside the locker room to inside the locker room, like those guys, they’re down to earth. We do everything together. And I feel like that kind of played a key role in me coming here. Also Madison, it’s just a great college campus to be on, a great college town and I love my time here. I still love it right now, and I’m just balling out with these boys right now, trying to finish off the season strong and keep winning games.
What does it mean to you to call yourself a Badger athlete?
It means a lot. I mean, coming here my freshman year … it just showed that playing for a school like this, and playing for a team like this, it comes with a lot of ups and downs. So you got to make sure that you go through those ups and downs. And that’s why I’m here now, you know, just trying to put my team in a good position to win games. Being a Badger here, it’s an honor. I mean, it’s a privilege. And I try to go every day and give it my best for the guys that came through, even the guys that are here, just giving my best for those guys and keep playing hard and playing like how Badgers always play.
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What is it like to play in Camp Randall, in this huge college atmosphere?
It’s hella fun. It’s very exciting. It’s very electrifying. I mean, it’s one of those environments where a lot of people [would] kill to be in that moment. And I’m just truly blessed to be in that moment. So every time I’m on the field, and every time I’m out there game day [or] practice, I just take it all in and tell myself this is it, you only live these moments once. So you got to play them every single down.
What is it about Madison that you’ve enjoyed? Do you have some favorite spots?
I enjoy Madison for sure. Living here, it’s really nice. The weather is a little funky to me, but it’s all good when it gets cold. I got my jackets and stuff like that. But Madison is really nice. I mean, the fans are really good, school is really nice. And my favorite food spots out here, man, I got to go to Naty’s Fast Food. I get the lemon pepper, half a pound catfish nugget meal with fries. Yeah, that be bussing right there. So I like that and Mad Seafood Boiler. It’s on State Street over there, by Red Rock, and that, that joint’s gas, I’m not gonna lie.
Do you think people in Gaithersburg, Maryland look at you as an example of a player who has ‘made it’?
Oh, man, I hope they do. I mean, I try to leave a good mark at that school for those boys still playing ball over there with my coach, coach Prather. I try to set an example and show them that if you work hard and you do what you’re supposed to do, you keep your head, you can make it. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but it’s most definitely going to be very rewarding at the end, when you know you make it, and now you got to make sure that you battle when you get there.
Who is someone who inspires you to keep working and keep doing better?
I’ll say, my parents. My family — they encourage me every day to do what I do. And my family is my biggest why right now, on what I’m on, what I’m doing and my drive. And you know, it’s also to my faith in God. You know, I put a lot of faith in God and I trust Him every day that He’s gonna keep protecting me and keep giving me the ability and strength to come out here and do what I need to do, and just overall, keep shining on me so I never lose any guidance.
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How would you define success? What does success look like for you?
Damn, that’s tough… Success is showing up every day, even when you don’t want to. I feel like there are days where you know you don’t feel like doing something, and there are days where you have to do something, but you decide not to, I feel like it’s that willing[ness] to do it even when you don’t want to. I feel like success comes from when you have trials and tribulations in front of you, and how do you get through those? And I feel like success comes from all the hardships in life and all the battles that you overcome … I mean, when you fall down, are you going to stay on the ground? Are you going to get back up and keep going? I feel like success comes from that. And just your overall willingness to keep moving forward and not looking back at anything, or not looking at the ground, always looking forward and keep going. Just keep going.
To wrap it up, what’s one thing you wish other people knew about you?
I’m a very down-to-earth person. I mean, if you ever want to talk, we can have deep conversations. I mean, I’m a cool, funny guy too, I like going out wherever, even if it’s trying food places and stuff like that. And I’m into pickleball, too. I’m a really good pickleball player. Not many people know that. You know, I be putting belt to you know what on the court.