Friday, June 1, 2001

3 former Warriors
have new hope
for pro careers

Doug Sims must pass a physical
today in Seattle and Rinda Brooks
and Dee Miller look to the CFL

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By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

Doug Sims, Dee Miller and Rinda Brooks are hoping this summer will be spent playing professional football.

Of the three former University of Hawaii standouts, Sims has the best shot after reporting to the Seattle Seahawks last night. He has yet to sign a free-agent contract, but if he passes his physical today, the defensive tackle will have a shot to continue the dream.

"All you can ask for is a chance," Sims said. "If I get that opportunity, I'll make the most of it."

Miller, a defensive back, and Brooks, a linebacker, are on a waiting list for the Canadian Football League. UH assistant coach Vantz Singletary said yesterday time was running out for the talented twosome, but he hoped they would earn a roster spot soon.

"They still have a good chance. They just need to be patient like Doug and wait to see what develops," Singletary said. "The big man came by to see me (on Wednesday) to let me know the Seahawks wanted him to come in. He looks very good. Doug is probably at 335 pounds, which is about as low as he can go."

Sims, Miller and Brooks took part in the Hula Bowl earlier this year. They are hoping the contacts they made that week in January will pay off in the months ahead.

"I still haven't heard anything definite," Miller said. "But I'm hoping I'll get the opportunity to show what I can do."

If Sims does ink a deal today, he will be the third UH senior on a National Football League roster. The other two are offensive lineman Kynan Forney and running back James Fenderson.

Forney was drafted in the seventh round of last month's NFL Draft and recently signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Fenderson agreed to a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. All are looking to stick with their respective clubs.

"It's been a pretty good two years for our guys," Singletary said.

"It's tough to make it at the next level, but we had three do it last year (Jeff Ulbrich, Kaulana Noa and Adrian Klemm). Hopefully all those guys will have continued success."

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http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu