Preseason Interview with RB Barika Kpeenu
Barika Kpeenu, the hometown hero who was a two-time all-state first team selection for the West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs, splashed onto the scene with the Bison in 2023, finishing fourth on the team in rushing.
Barika Kpeenu, the hometown hero who was a two-time all-state first team selection for the West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs, splashed onto the scene with the Bison in 2023, finishing fourth on the team in rushing.
In 2024, he is ready to take another step forward.
Last year, was your first time seeing a ton of action playing here, what was that experience like for you?
It was awesome. It was nice because I could finally see where my work was going. But I also saw where I needed to improve and what I needed to look for going into this season. So, it was definitely fun, but it was definitely a learning experience.
What do you feel like you needed to improve on the most?
Being more patient. I think a lot of runs last year, I thought it was going to be a home run play and it didn’t need to be. On film, there were a lot of plays where I could have just been patient and just hit a hole instead of trying to bounce outside and do too much.
Do you feel like you made progress there in the spring and early fall practices?
Yes, that was my main goal—to make the simple play, not the homerun play and just being able to read and having trust in my teammates.
What’s it like playing in front of your hometown?
It’s nice because I have family here. I got people who I grew up with… A lot of people here don’t have the opportunity to really have that. So, it’s something that I’m grateful for. My parents can go to any game and not have to worry about all the travel or if something comes up where they can’t go. They’re going to be there every single Saturday when we have a home game.
Do you get to see them quite a bit?
Oh yeah. Right now, my parents are out of the country, but they’re going to try and come back for the Colorado game. But yeah, I try to see them as much as possible. They love this more than I do sometimes— they’re more excited for a game and they’re more hyped up. It’s just such a blessing.
Where are your parents right now?
They’re in Nigeria. They’re from there. They were born there… It’s been like 20-plus years since my mom has been back. My dad would go there every once and a while and my mom would watch us.
What are you excited about most going into this season?
What we have to prove. I think a lot of people are counting us out and saying we’re done with winning championships. And I think the leaders on our team have made it known that we’re not done. We’ve got players who are hungry and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to take the next step. So, I’m obviously excited to see how it goes.
