Each week O Heroes sits down with one of our student-athletes to get to know more about them on and off the field. This week we feature Marcus Mariota, a 6-4 redshirt freshman quarterback with the Oregon Football team.

Mariota is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in General Science. Despite his demanding schedule balancing academics and athletics, Mariota has created a lasting impact within the Eugene-Springfield community through his work with O Heroes.

Last summer Mariota volunteered much of his time at the Boys and Girls Club of Eugene playing sports with the kids. In addition, Mariota participated in the Quackin’ Action Youth Development event as well as “O”lympics. The positive impact he’s had on the kids lends credibility to his character and commitment to the Oregon community.

A native to Honolulu, Hawaii, Mariota plans to return to the islands and work as physical therapist after graduation. He hopes to continue to volunteer throughout his community and seek out opportunities to grow as a mentor to kids.

For more information on O Heroes follow @oheroes on Twitter, like O Heroes on Facebook, or contact Judy Sheldon at jsheldon@uoregon.edu.

Article by Blaire Bender