Wednesday, January 12, 2000
Lineman Tuioti
By Paul Arnett
joins growing list
of ’Bows heading
to Hula Bowl
Star-BulletinHawaii defensive lineman Tony Tuioti will play in next week's Hula Bowl, Rainbows head coach June Jones confirmed yesterday afternoon.
"They called us and told us they needed a lineman, so we recommended Tony," Jones said. "I'm really happy for him. He will represent our program very well."
Tuioti is the fourth fifth-year senior to be selected to play in a college all-star game. Offensive linemen Adrian Klemm and Kaulana Noa will play in next week's Senior Bowl. Tuioti and offensive lineman Andy Phillips will take part in the Hula Bowl.
And it doesn't end there. Quarterback Dan Robinson and cornerback Quincy LeJay will also travel to Maui next week to play in the Hula Bowl. Middle linebacker Jeff Ulbrich will be in the Senior Bowl as well.
"I think it's a tribute to our players to have that many taking part in these postseason games," Jones said. "I couldn't be happier for these seniors because they deserve all the recognition they can get."
Tuioti battled through numerous injuries in his career. In 1998, he had a ruptured disc in his back that limited his effectiveness. He had off-season surgery in the spring, but was bothered by it all last year.
"But that wasn't going to keep me from playing," Tuioti said, who finished with 48 tackles this season. "This has been a magical season for everyone. I know I'll never forget what we accomplished on the field this season."
Players taking part in the Hula Bowl will fly into Maui on Monday. Among the 90 or so players selected by the American Football Coaches Association is Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. He is the marquee player in the field.
