• Dizon makes more than just history!
Dizon makes more than just history!
By Duane Shimogawa – The Garden Island
Coming from the western most high school in the country, Jordon Dizon has truly come a long way from the sleepy, quaint town of Waimea to Boulder, Colorado, where he is the most popular Hawaiian since current Buffalo coach Brian Cabral put on the Colorado uniform, over 25 years ago.
Yesterday, in front of thousands of fans and viewers from all over the state, something truly special happened for the Dizon Ohana (family) and for Kaua‘i.
The Menehune standout was the first true freshman in Colorado University’s storied 115 years of football to start at the inside linebacker position in the season opener.
Quite a feat for a team that already has a national title, something that most Division I college football teams only dream of.
In addition, Colorado’s football program boasts one of the best plays in college football history.
How many of you remember that hail mary pass from Kordell Stewart to Michael Westbrook?
I can still hear the announcer’s voice in my mind, even if the play seemed ages ago.
In addition to Stewart and Westbrook, Colorado featured players like Rashan Salaam (former heisman trophy winner), Eric Bienemy, and even current Buffalo coach Brian Cabral.
More importantly though, Dizon is the ultimate role model.
A humble guy by nature, Dizon will be the first to defray the attention and give up all the accolades to the people who’ve helped him get to where he is today.
Jordon’s mom, Darla Abbatiello is proud that her son has made it to the level that evades most Kaua‘i players year after year.
Nobody doubts where Dizon’s toughness comes from, as Abbatiello is as tough as a mom can be.
In a conversation with her, she mentioned that she had to be tough with Jordon because she knew he’d make it to the next level if she used the tough love approach.
If you’ve ever spoken to Abbatiello, who by the way is one of the most respected officers of the Kaua‘i Police Department, then you know what I’m talking about. When I talked to Jordon last week Thursday, it seemed as if I was talking with an old friend. Despite being in the limelight, Dizon doesn’t forget where his roots remain. In an age where role models are hard to find, Dizon is the diamond in the rough. Every Kaua‘i Pop Warner player will be trying to get a hold of Dizon’s #44 Colorado jersey.
Now Kaua‘i’s youth football players have someone to look up to, who truly represents the island well.
That dream of playing football at the college level is now a possibility thanks to Dizon, who wouldn’t mind playing with 10 other Kaua‘i kids. Former Menehune coach Jon Kobayashi and the rest of the Waimea Ohana have groomed a great football player and a great person too. Jordon told me that the word, “Arrogance,” doesn’t exist in the Menehune dictionary.
Dizon has even helped another Kaua‘i player make the jump to the Division I level, as Red Raider senior quarterback has received a full scholarship offer from Colorado University.
Jordon’s goal isn’t to break records or collect honors, instead, he’d like more Kaua‘i players to dream big and feel as though the door is wide open for them to play big-time college football.
In sports, it’s hard to find people who display good sportsmanship, but on the small island of Kaua‘i, we should be very proud of Jordon and his big accomplishment last night.
Congratulations to Jordon and all of his success so far!
Duane Shimogawa, Sports Editor can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) and kauaisports@pulitzer.net
