When I was at the Super Bowl this year, I thought about how I always dreamed of that moment when I was playing in Hawaii.

Taase Faumui

The third-year defensive lineman went to the Pittsburgh Steelers' minicamp this week knowing he needs a solid summer in order to be around this fall.

Granted, the former University of Hawaii standout has survived so far on the best team in the American Football Conference. He even went to a Super Bowl in only his second season in the National Football League.

But like a veteran in a steel mill, Faumui must produce more than those on the first day of the job. If not, he could find himself dropped from the big board come September.

"My goal is to be ready to play this year," Faumui said. "I think this is a year where I have to bring out everything I've got.

"Again, like every year, I've got to fight to make the team. It's a battle. Every year, everybody does that. Even if your name is on a team, you've still got to fight for that decision.

"You never know when a free agent or the guy under you might do better. I'm always looking to do a lot better than the next person. The veterans in front of me have a better chance of making the team, so I've got to bring out more."

In order to do that, Faumui expects to remain in Pittsburgh for the rest of the summer to keep his mind and chiseled 6-foot-4, 278-pound body in top shape.

Nagging injuries that limited his playing time at UH have followed Faumui to the NFL. He played briefly in only three games last year because of a leg injury, but made it back in time to be on the active roster in the playoffs.

Staying in Pittsburgh will give him time to work on his weaknesses and improve his strengths. When available, Faumui remains one of the quickest linemen on a talented Pittsburgh front.

"I think we have the best defensive scheme and best defensive front in the league," Faumui said. "We went to the Super Bowl, and that shows how good our defensive linemen are. For me to earn more playing time with those guys, I've got to stay healthy.

"Every player wants to go through the year without a major injury. But you never know what's going to happen out there on the field. The best thing for me is to do my best and if I do get injured, then I need to bounce back as quickly as I can and be ready to compete with the guys on the first team."

Despite being sidelined for part of both seasons, Faumui has gained a great deal of experience. The former Farrington star didn't begin playing football until he was a junior in high school.

He wasn't qualified academically to compete at UH his first season and he broke his foot his sophomore year, but as a junior Faumui helped lead the Rainbows to the Holiday Bowl.

During that magical 1992 season, Faumui finished with 54 tackles - including six for losses - and four quarterback sacks.

Injuries plagued him again his senior year, but Faumui was still impressive enough to be drafted in the fourth round by Pittsburgh. To make it this far in such a short time is quite an accomplishment.

"Sometimes, I think it was good I didn't play Pop Warner like most of the guys," Faumui said. "Some guys developed chronic injuries while they were young and other guys burned out on football by the time they were in high school.

"I think it's good I started so late, because it gave my body time to develop without any major injuries. Playing at Farrington and at Hawaii were good experiences.

"When I was at the Super Bowl this year, I thought about how I always dreamed of that moment when I was playing in Hawaii. It was great. Some guys play their enti re careers without knowing what it's like to be in the biggest game of all."

Faumui would like nothing better than to return to the Super Bowl next year and put a ring on his finger, like fellow Farrington graduate Jesse Sapolu of San Francisco and Dallas offensive lineman Mark Tuinei.

But first things first.

"That would be great," Faumui said. "But there's a lot of work to be done before I start thinking about that. I've enjoyed my time in Pittsburgh. It's my working home.

"I also love playing for (Pittsburgh head) Coach Bill Cowher. He played sports and he knows what the players are going through. He's the kind of coach you can go talk to and let him know how you feel.

"He's really a cool coach. You want to give it your all for him. And that's just what I plan to do at this minicamp, and in the summer camp next month."