Keala Watson, Fuga, Budget, Etc.

The Star-Bulletin continues their Sunday Warrior profiles with this feature on defensive lineman Keala Watson.

But the playing time as a true freshman season didn't last long. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder similar to hemophilia. Watson had to stop playing football or risk bleeding to death from a tiny scratch.

"I didn't know there was such a thing. I went through a lot of tests, a blood specialist on the mainland. I saw about 20 different doctors," he said.

Finally, one came up with a treatment that would work and allow Watson to play without the additional risk.

"One of the things some of the fans don't realize is we're humans, like them," Watson said.

Stephen Tsai writes about recent Leilehua High grad Kawika Fuga, who's been participating in offseason workouts and hopes to walk on at UH.

Too often we believe that “chasing the dream” means pursuing a pro career.
And then, every so often, we’re reminded that playing for UH is the dream.

Ferd Lewis writes about the UH athletic department's overall budget deficit, how Jim Donovan is trying to pare down the projected deficit for the coming fiscal year, and why more financial support may be needed from UH.

Lewis also writes about proposed improvements and renovations to Aloha Stadium.

The state Department of Accounting and General Services is recommending a series of renovations and improvements for Aloha Stadium, including club and "super suite" seating, designed to upgrade and prolong for another "30 years" the life of the 33-year-old facility.

New private elevators would whisk patrons to exclusive suites and lounges and "enhance the spectator experience to a level on par with other venues of its size and, hence, its revenue-producing potential, thereby offsetting future maintenance costs," according to a section of the DAGS draft environmental assessment for stadium improvement.

And Dave Reardon writes about the golf plans that Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard have for when they represent UH at the WAC Media Preview in Salt Lake City next month.

Elimimian said he talked Leonard into signing up for the golf outing that is part of the event — even though, according to Elimimian, neither of them has played a round.

“I’ve been out on the range a few times with (teammate) Spencer (Smith), but I’m not sure Adam’s even touched a golf club,” Elimimian said. “I told them to put our handicaps way up.”

Leonard said he has played the game — if mini-golf counts.