By: Daniel Wood
2/3/2005

Friends University senior Aaron Howell stands only 5 foot 5 inches, yet he has become a big man on campus, shattering almost every rushing record in Friends football history.

Describing his foot speed as quick almost seems an understatement to anyone who has seen Howell in action. Rushing for 1,419 yards in the 2004 season, Howell claimed the title for most yards in a single season, averaging 157.7 yards per game.

“With Aaron’s ability and our offensive line it made our running attack explosive and feared by other teams,” teammate Ryan Garrison said.

Howell rushed for 388 yards against Sterling College in 2003 setting a new school record for most yards in one game.

“Once I started getting the yards, I knew I could just keep taking them,” Howell said.

Howell was named the 2004 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference offensive player of the year. Howell was also first team All-Conference in 2003 and 2004. Also in 2004, Howell was first team All-American and the top running back in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“One thing I’ve found amazing is that other teams knew we were going to give him the ball and they still couldn’t stop him,” Garrison said.

Howell ran track and played football at Start Spencer High School in Midwest City, Okla., where he was encouraged by coaches to pursue a passion for running.
 
Howell recalls one coach, A. C. Smith, in particular who always stressed the importance of living up to his potential.

“You can go anywhere and be average, but I see your potential and you have to live up to that,” were Smith’s words of encouragement to Howell.

In the spring of 1999, Howell came to Friends with the intention of making a name for himself, but the idea of breaking records in football never crossed his mind.

Howell’s freshman year earned him a spot playing defensive back, a position he grew to hate. After disagreements with coaches and an academic redshirt, Howell left Friends.

In the fall of 2001 Howell returned to Friends to complete his education and again run track. Monty Lewis, new head football coach, pursued Howell to return to football and tested his skills at running back.

Howell’s leadership has been seen both on and off the field, spending much of his free time working with youth at the local Mental Health Association.

At the health association, Howell helps young people find ways to manage their anger and encourages them to pursue their goals.

The youngest of three, Howell was the only one of his family to attend a four-year university. He plans to graduate this spring with his bachelor of science in business administration. 

“Nobody can stop me,” Howell said. “Only I can stop me.”