Hawaii’s Elimimian
off to Senior Bowl

Hawaii defensive back Abraham Elimimian accepted an invitation to play in the Jan. 29 Senior Bowl yesterday.

The game in Mobile, Ala., is considered the most prestigious college football all-star game and is sponsored by the NFL.

"I'm very excited; I guess my hard work paid off," Elimimian said by telephone from his Los Angeles home yesterday.

Elimimian had accepted an invitation to the Jan. 22 Hula Bowl Maui, but he pulled out last week on the advice of his agent.

The All-WAC defensive back and four-year UH starter at cornerback was the first alternate in the secondary for both Senior Bowl teams.

He plans to arrive in Alabama on Friday to begin preparing for a week of interviews and workouts for NFL scouts.

UH defensive linemen Travis LaBoy and Isaac Sopoaga played in last year's game. Both were selected in the NFL Draft. LaBoy played for the Tennessee Titans this season and Sopoaga spent the season with the San Francisco 49ers rehabbing a back injury.

Four players who just completed their UH careers are set to play in Saturday's Hula Bowl at War Memorial Stadium. They are quarterback Tim Chang, receiver/kick returner Chad Owens, offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa and defensive tackle Lui Fuga.

Hula Bowl tickets are still available at $10 and $35. They can be ordered by phone at (808) 874-9500.