Kingswood Oxford's Koby Quansah '16 Chosen for Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl

Star linebacker and running back Koby Quansah ‘16 has been chosen to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl sponsored by the U.S. Marines, and during a formal ceremony in Roberts Theater on Sept. 29 he received a jersey to commemorate his selection.

“This honor could not have been bestowed on a better person,” said Will Gilyard, KO Math teacher and assistant football coach. “In addition to being an exemplary football player, student, and athlete, Koby is discplined, self-reliant, and holds himself and others accountable, if necessary.

“He doesn’t look for praise when the team has success, and he’s willing to take the blame when the team struggles,” added Gilyard. “He fully embraces the phrase ductus exemplo -- lead by example.”

Quansah, the son of Naana Boakye of Manchester, is one of only 100 students nationwide (and only two in CT) to be chosen for this elite Bowl. The game, which will be nationally televised, will be played in the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, on Jan. 3, 2016.

The Marines said their selection of athletes for this bowl was based on “their athletic prowess, academic success, and embodiment of the Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.”

Quansah, who has verbally committed to play football at Duke University next year, was born in Ghana and came to the U.S. when he was four years old. A student at KO since 8th grade, he has distinguished himself not only as a football player, but also in other areas of school life.

For instance, he belongs to United Students, one of KO’s student-run diversity and social justice groups, and he traveled to Tobati, Paraguay, on a service-learning trip with other KO students in 2013. He also manages the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team and is a member of the Varsity Track & Field team, specializing in the 100m, 4x100m, and the triple jump.

In his remarks, Quansah acknowledged his mom for her sacrifices, as well as the many coaches, teachers, and parents in the KO community who helped contribute to his success. “Lastly, I’d like to thank my classmates, my teammates, and the rest of Wyvern Nation for the love and support I receive day in and day out,” said Quansah. “Thank you!”

Captions: Kingswood Oxford linebacker and running back Koby Quansah ’16 is one of only two players in CT named to the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, a nationally televised game that will be played in CA on Jan. 3, 2016.

Kingswood Oxford Head of School Dennis Bisgaard and two Marine Corps officers congratulate Koby Quansah ’16 after the ceremony in which he was presented a commemorative jersey for the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.