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Sidelines
Kalani Simpson
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1 football team enough for Akpan
IF he wasn't such a nice guy, if he didn't have that wonderful smile, if everybody didn't love him like Raymond, there might be a few punch lines featuring Tony Akpan and tomorrow's NFL Draft.
Wasn't that the promise? Isn't that why he went on to a second UH sport when he'd only just begun to show signs of blooming in the first one?
But basketball fans can't be bitter, just because it's three years later and Mel Kiper Jr. isn't mentioning his name. Everyone who's seen Akpan in the pads, on the field, with the guys, knows he's had a heck of a ride. It's OK. It was his decision; this is his life. Not everyone gets to be a star. Not everyone goes pro.
That's sports. That's life. It isn't about our hopes and dreams for him. He got his schooling paid for and had a rich college experience, one like few people have. Every time I saw him smile, when he was with the UH football team, I just knew he was having the time of his life. He was a sub, but they loved him. And he loved football right back.
It's a special thing, to be on a football team. Akpan experienced that.
Is it a shame that he didn't go on to become a special player in basketball? Of course it is. But that's our shame, not his. Our loss. He made up his own mind.
His football highlight might have been running down a runaway back in a scrimmage. In a game, probably blocking an extra point. No, he wasn't as advertised -- of course he won't be a first-round draft pick tomorrow. That's fine. That isn't what life is about. Not really.
Sometimes football isn't about the games, but the guys. Those moments together. In the huddle in the middle of the action, under the lights. Being a team.
Tony Akpan experienced that.
Still, I'll be selfish tomorrow when they don't call his name. I'll be thinking about basketball, about his brilliant bursts of energy, and swatted shots and ignited crowds. And all that could have been.
» Great to see June Jones and Siuaki Livai all smiles together at Thursday night's Kahuku football dinner to thank Livai for his great run and welcome Reggie Torres as Kahuku's new coach. I couldn't make the event (which is probably why they're both smiling) but there is photographic evidence. Big thumbs up to Jones for going (and smiling) and big thumbs up to Kahuku for inviting the UH coach.
» Congratulations to Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier in taking a big step toward balancing his checkbook with the waiving of his (Aloha Stadium) rent. (And yes, I'm jealous.) This is a sign that a lot of people in the community want to see UH succeed.
So, now the big question -- are beer prices going up?