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Wednesday, January 17, 2001
Ute-turn into WAILUKU, Maui -- Kautai Olevao was just getting ready to go to sleep when the telephone call came one early Saturday morning. The former Kahuku High standout couldn't imagine who would be calling that time of day, but when he answered, he got an earful.
Hula Bowl spots
Utah's Olevao, Arceneaux happy
to be back home for the
all-star contestBy Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin
"It was my brothers and they were counting down the last 10 seconds of the state high school game between Kahuku and St. Louis," Olevao said after yesterday's practice for this Saturday's 55th annual Hula Bowl at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.
"They were saying that Kahuku was going to win and I could hear all the excitement," Olevao said. "And all the memories came back to my days playing football at Kahuku. It was a different feeling. I was happy for all the coaches and the Kahuku boys, who really did a good job."
The next day, there were plenty of people in the Salt Lake City community proudly wearing their Red Raiders T-shirts. Utah fans are always asking Olevao where they can get one.
"I guess it's just because, you know, we take pride in the games and the competitiveness here on the islands," Olevao said. "We just want to go over there and tell them all about our school and how we compete over here."
Olevao was one of several island recruits in the class of 1995 that is still considered one of the best in local high school history. Joining him that year was St. Louis School star George Ornellas, who opted to stay home and play for the University of Hawaii.
That decision proved to be a mistake for the Hauula resident. He eventually quit and Rainbows head coach Bob Wagner would later be fired by UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida.
It's not scientific thinking to say that had Olevao and some of his other 1995 classmates decided to stay home, a chain of events wouldn't have started that's still affecting the Rainbows some six seasons later. But it's a fair statement.
The former Red Raider was one of several local recruiting coups for Utah head coach Ron McBride. Olevao played his true freshman season in 1995, before missing the next two years for a Mormon mission.
While away, McBride landed fellow Utah and Hula Bowl teammate Darnell Arceneaux, one of four Crusader quarterbacks making a comfortable living in Division I football. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Chris Fuamatu-Maafala is another island boy opting to sign with the Utes.
Was going away to school the right decision for Olevao, who will finally get to play at home for the first time since his last game at Aloha Stadium in 1994? It was for him.
As he put it, "I have no regrets. I was glad with the decision I made. It worked out well for me. I couldn't ask for anything more. What makes this even more special is I get to suit up one last time in Hawaii with Coach McBride and Darnell. That's a great way to end my college career."
Arceneaux holds similar beliefs. He, too, feels leaving Hawaii was the right career move for the St. Louis School quarterback. The day former UH head coach Fred vonAppen made his first public appearance, McBride came in and got a verbal commitment from Arceneaux.
Unlike Olevao, the road less traveled these days for island recruits was a rocky one for Arceneaux. He fought through several injuries with the Utes, including a broken hand and a bad ankle. His chances of playing at the next level could hinge on how well he competes this week in practice and the game.
At 6-foot-2, 265 pounds, Olevao has the correct statistical data NFL scouts are looking for in a linebacker.
At quarterback, Arceneaux is a different matter. He finished his career at Utah ninth in pass completions with 263 and eighth in touchdown passes (26) and passing yards (4,020). But he's more of a runner than a thrower, which could hurt him come draft day.
"It's been awhile since I played ball, so I'm just trying to work out the kinks right now," Arceneaux said. "I'm real healthy. I've got another chance to take it to the next level. I'm just trying to make the most of it. The Lord has a plan. I'm just going to go out there and use my talents to see what happens."
Like Purdue quarterback Drew Brees, Arceneaux is adjusting to a two-back system. Arceneaux seemed more comfortable after two days of practice.
"It's really cool being here, but I kind of wish it was on Oahu to play in Aloha Stadium one last time," Arceneaux said. "I've got great memories there. The main thing is getting to play for Coach McBride one last time and being on the same field as Kautai and some of the other Hawaii guys. That makes it special for all of us."
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