In a 24-hour whirlwind, Punahou quarterback Cayman Shutter helped lead the Buffanblu to their first state championship then committed to continue his career at Hawaii.

Shutter, who originally committed to New Mexico, said he informed Hawaii coach Greg McMackin of his decision prior to UH's game against Cincinnati on Saturday.

The 6-foot-1, 189-pound Shutter said UH's initial offer came after he had committed to New Mexico in the summer. But when Lobos head coach Rocky Long resigned last month, he changed his commitment as well.

“;UH was my first choice all along,”; Shutter said. “;I was going to honor my commitment to New Mexico, but the only other school I would go to was UH.”;

Shutter passed for 400 yards and two touchdowns in Punahou's 38-7 win over Leilehua in the Division I state final on Friday.

“;It was a big weekend,”; Shutter said. “;I have to let it all sink in.”;

Shutter said he'll take some time off after this weekend's all-star game, but is looking forward to preparing for UH's run-and-shoot offense. Among the first people he told of his decision was Punahou alum and UH freshman receiver Miah Ostrowski.

“;He said, 'That's good. Let's get to work,'”; Shutter said.

Veikune wins top award

David Veikune was rewarded for a season that was both steady and spectacular in receiving the Hawaii football team's highest honor.

The senior defensive end was presented the Alec Waterhouse Most Valuable Player award at the Warriors' banquet last night at the Sheraton Waikiki.

“;I felt game in and game out he was our best player,”; McMackin said. “;He was consistent. He plays full speed and he's just been an outstanding player for us. He's a humble person and he's someone I really respect.”;

Veikune finished the regular season third on the team with 71 tackles and led the Warriors with 16 tackles for loss, including nine sacks. He also forced four fumbles, leading the WAC in that category.

He was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference second team, though McMackin felt he deserved to be on the first team.

“;I'm just honored to be on any (all-conference) team,”; Veikune said after the All-WAC teams were announced last week.

“;It's just been an honor to play at Hawaii. With the success our team has had over the few years I've been here, it's been awesome.”;

The Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award went to long snapper Jake Ingram and defensive back Ryan Mouton.

“;Jake has been Mr. Consistency since I've been here,”; McMackin said.

Mouton earned first-team All-WAC honors as a defensive back, but also contributed on offense, starting two games at slotback to spark the receiver unit. He came back from a sprained ankle to play against Cincinnati and set up an interception with a tipped pass.

“;He's the best athlete on our team and the quickest, and he's mentally tough,”; McMackin said. “;He's a guy who puts the team first and just wants to help the team win.”;

The Outstanding Warrior Awards went to center John Estes (offense), linebacker Solomon Elimimian (defense) and punter Tim Grasso (special teams).

Estes, Elimimian, Adam Leonard and Keala Watson shared the captain's awards. Sophomore running back Kealoha Pilares won the scholar-athlete award.

Scout team awards went to quarterback Shane Austin (offense), defensive lineman Alasi Toilolo (defense) and defensive back Ryan Perry (special teams).