Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island HONOLULU — Keala Watson might be the only Kaua‘i-born player on the University of Hawai‘i football team’s roster this season, but the defensive lineman gives the Garden Isle a big reason to tune
Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island
HONOLULU — Keala Watson might be the only Kaua‘i-born player on the University of Hawai‘i football team’s roster this season, but the defensive lineman gives the Garden Isle a big reason to tune into games this year.
“Be ready to see something good happen,” he said after a morning practice session. “We’re really going to make this an exciting season for the entire state.”
The NCAA granted Watson a medical hardship in 2004, after suffering from a blood disorder two games into the season. He bucked the odds and played in 10 games last year, earning academic All-WAC honors.
“My condition is definitely a reminder of what I have to do,” Watson said. “I had a nose bleed earlier this week and I was forced to sit out. I couldn’t believe I had to sit out because of that, but it’s definitely a reminder of how serious it is.”
Watson has to wear long sleeves and cover most of his body because of his rare condition, but that doesn’t stop him from excelling in the sport he loves.
“When I talk to doctors, they said I’m the only person with this disease who is playing a sport,” Watson said. “It’s like charting new ground. It’s hard not knowing what to expect, but I’m finally getting used to it.”
Watson, a sophomore, was born in Lihu‘e and moved to Nanakuli on O‘ahu to be with his parents, Lei and Aaron.
“It was like a whole new world when I moved up here,” Watson said of his move. “It took at least two years to adjust. I still go back to Kaua‘i to see some of my other family members.”
Watson and the UH football team open up 2006 against Alabama in the abrasive atmosphere of Tuscaloosa.
“It’s going to be a total battle,” he said. “It’s almost like going to war. Everyone is yelling at you, including little kids, but if we get through that, we should do fine.”
Head coach June Jones said all he expects his players to do is to go down there and play hard.
“You never know what’s going to really happen,” he said. “Lots of guys get intimidated. They’re college kids.”
The first contest for the two teams is set for Sept. 2 at 1:07 p.m. (HST).
60 players are scheduled to travel to Alabama for the game, including star quarterback Colt Brennan, who feels as confident as ever about his team’s chances.
“This will be the biggest game for me so far,” the junior signal caller said. “I’m going to try to keep the team level headed and limit all the pressure and work off of it. We should be fine.”
Brennan, voted by the media as the WAC preseason offensive player of the year, said this year’s version of the Warrior football team has lots of potential.
“Last year was a great year for us as far as getting in some experience,” he said. “We’re much more confident. Camp’s going great and we’re at a different level, especially with the amount of veterans we have this year.”
Brennan has never been to the Garden Isle, but he understands that there are many fans of UH football from Kaua‘i.
“I’ve always hoped we represented all the islands,” he said. “We want everyone to wake up on Saturday’s with a purpose, maybe go to the beach in the morning and then watch our game. We want every island to know that we’re going to have a great team.”
After battling Alabama, UH heads home for its first home game of 2006 against UNLV on Sept. 16, starting at 6:05 p.m.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
