Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

Wednesday, December 20, 2000

Raiola headed
to Wisconsin

Kamehameha lineman
verbally commits to
the Big Ten power

---

By Dave Reardon
Star-Bulletin

Kamehameha's Donovan Raiola has decided to make his own footprints in the snow of Madison, Wis.

Raiola, a 6-2, 280-pound offensive lineman and member of the Star-Bulletin's All-State first team, made a verbal commitment yesterday to accept a football scholarship from the University of Wisconsin.

"When I went up there (two weeks ago), it was pretty cold, in the teens," Raiola said. "But that's OK. I like the cold weather."

Raiola visited Colorado and San Diego State in addition to Wisconsin. He said he also considered Nebraska, where his brother, Dominic, plays and was named an Associated Press first-team All-American last week.

"I thought about (going to Nebraska). But I wanted to avoid comparisons," Donovan Raiola said. "I thought Wisconsin would be the best place for me. I was really impressed. I didn't know it was such a good school academically, and the (athletic) facilities are awesome."

At least two other top local prospects are considering becoming Badgers.

St. Louis linebacker Joe Lobendahn, another Star-Bulletin All-State first-teamer, also visited Wisconsin and was impressed with the program. Lobendahn is also visiting Washington, Arizona, USC and Hawaii.

St. Louis defensive lineman Lyle Maiava, a second-team selection, has also visited Wisconsin.

High school athletes may not sign football letters of intent, officially binding them to a college, until Feb. 7.

The University of Hawaii has secured four verbal commitments. Kaimuki receivers Justin Faimealelei and Kila Kamakawiwo'ole yesterday joined St. Louis running back Pesefea Fiaseu and junior college transfer Mike Holt, an offensive lineman.