Running back Chad Hanaoka compiled 48 yards on eight carries while also contributing a reception for eight yards in Northwestern's 24-16 win over Illinois. Stephen J. Carrera | Northwestern Athletics

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Courtesy Kyle Okimoto

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Courtesy Kyle Okimoto

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Evanston, ILL. — A third-down running back standing at 5 feet, 6 inches becoming a cornerstone of a Big Ten offense does not happen very often. But for the Northwestern Wildcats, that is the situation for the Big Ten West Division champions.

Last Saturday, Iolani '14 grad Chad Hanaoka compiled 48 yards on eight carries while contributing a reception for eight yards. Hanaoka, a Honolulu native, was recognized at Northwestern's Senior Day. The Wildcats went on to beat their in-state rival, the Illinois Fighting Illini, by a score of 24-16. The Wildcats improved their conference record to 8-1 and their regular season record to 8-4.

Northwestern will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are the East Division champs, Saturday to decide the overall Big Ten Champion.

Led by head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats were able to grind out a tough game. Hanaoka, along with other key first team members on both offense and defense, were given rest after the opening drive of the second half. A decision that kept in mind that the Wildcats have their biggest game of the season next Saturday and could not risk any of their starters getting hurt.

Prior to kickoff, Hanaoka walked onto Ryan Field with his parents, Wayne and Terri, and two brothers, Kyle and Troy, by his side. The fifth-year senior walk-on is in the midst of a career year as he has run for 119 yards on 21 carries and caught 10 passes for 53 yards.

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"It was surreal. I thought back to my journey to getting to today and just how grateful I was to be suited up playing in my last home game as a senior. I couldn't have asked for anything more and for them to be there and my girlfriend it meant everything to me," Hanaoka said following the victory.

Hanaoka's parents have attended five games this year and will be flying to Indianapolis to watch the Big Ten Championship game.

"We were happy for Chad that things all came together during his last season, sad that his football career is coming to an end soon, and proud of Chad for his hard work and perseverance to live out his dreams and for all his accomplishments on and off the field," said Hanaoka's mother, Terri.  

Prior to this year, Hanaoka had two carries for seven yards and a punt return to his name. His main contributions to the team were made during the week. He was a vital member of the scout team and was named practice player of the week on four separate occasions.

"When you first come in, put your head down and work. As a walk-on you have to earn respect on the team. When guys see that you're out there coming in with a good attitude and good work ethic, give everything you've got with the ability you've been given, that more than anything earns people's respect. They see you working hard in offseason workouts, giving it all you've got for the team and embracing whatever role that may be," Hanaoka said.

Through his journey as a walk-on to a key piece of the offense, Hanaoka can inspire others who are contemplating whether or not to try out for the team and also for those who are debating whether to keep going if the playing time is not available.

"From there, there's a reason why you're on the team and it's because you've got talent, you've got drive and passion for the game. Everyone — no matter if you're the starter or you're the last guy on the bench — you have a role on the team and belongs on the team," Hanaoka said.