HONOLULU — University of Hawai‘i offensive lineman Sean Shigematsu will play the upcoming Warrior season for somebody else. The redshirt freshman from Kapa‘a would like to dedicate the upcoming season to his cousin, Jarin Hepa, who was paralyzed in an
HONOLULU — University of Hawai‘i offensive lineman Sean Shigematsu will play the upcoming Warrior season for somebody else.
The redshirt freshman from Kapa‘a would like to dedicate the upcoming season to his cousin, Jarin Hepa, who was paralyzed in an accident two years ago.
“He was hurt during the middle of my senior year of high school,” Shigematsu said. “He’s a big-time Warrior fan and I just want to let people know that I’m playing for him this year.”
Shigematsu is listed as the starting right guard for the Warriors heading into the team’s season opener Saturday against the Colorado State Buffalo. The 6-foot-4, 305 pound lineman said his cousin’s enthusiasm is motivation to have a good season.
“It really hit me hard when he was injured because he is one of my really close cousins,” Shigematsu said. “He’s a true, dedicated Warriors fan and I now that it means a lot to him. He can’t wait to come to the stadium and see us play.”