Hula Bowl adds 4th Warrior to its roster
UH linebacker Kila Kamakawiwo'ole is invited to play in the all-star game
Just like many other folks enjoying yesterday as a holiday, Christmas came a day late for Kila Kamakawiwo'ole. The Hawaii senior linebacker went from "standby" to an official roster member for the 60th Hula Bowl, a bowl representative confirmed yesterday.
Kamakawiwo'ole becomes the fourth Warrior invited to the college all-star game, scheduled for Jan. 21 at Aloha Stadium. The 6-foot-3 Kaimuki High product joins teammates Brandon Eaton (offensive line), Lono Manners (safety) and Tanuvasa Moe (linebacker/snapper).
Kamakawiwo'ole started all 12 games for Hawaii this season at weakside linebacker after playing defensive end as a junior. He finished second on the team with 80 tackles, and had team highs in sacks (8), tackles for loss (14.5) and forced fumbles (5) en route to second-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.
"All season long he's been our MVP," UH defensive line coach Vantz Singletary said yesterday. "He plays hard, is loved and respected by his teammates and coaches. We think the world of him.
"He's been our utility guy. He'd play anywhere and was willing to do whatever was needed for the team. It was a blessing to have him."
Singletary said he was pleased to see Kamakawiwo'ole selected.
"Hopefully, it will open some doors to the NFL," Singletary said. "It's great for all of our players to have this recognition and be able to represent the program on another level.
"Any time you can get kids to finish their (college) careers with such a high honor as this is big. This will get them extra exposure."
Singletary hopes for at least one more Warrior to be invited. Senior Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan has played football for only three years, but the 6-6 defensive lineman has pro potential, according to the UH coach.
"He's certainly deserving," Singletary said of Akpan, who originally came to UH on a basketball scholarship.
The Hula Bowl returns to Aloha Stadium after eight years at Maui's War Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m.