Iolani girls goalie Omura signs with Texas

By Dennis Anderson
Advertiser Staff Writer

Iolani girls soccer goalkeeper Megan Omura of Niu Valley has signed a scholarship agreement with University of Texas and second-team all-state football lineman Chris (C.J.) Lumauag of Mililani High, has committed to University of San Diego.

Signings and commitments are starting to come in flurries as Hawai'i's best high school senior student-athletes secure college offers.

Omura was a starting goalkeeper for Hawai'i's Olympic Development Program team in 2000 and twice earned the Best Goalkeeper Award at the Bob Barry Goalkeeper Clinic.

Barry predicted: "She'll do well. I like her quickness around the goal area, the angles she takes and her concept of where to play. She's one of the hardest workers I've trained; she never stops."

Omura caught the attention of college coaches playing for the Honolulu Bulls last summer in several West Coast tournaments. She also visited Oregon and was recruited by Michigan and Oregon State.

"Having family in Texas was a plus," in making her choice, Omura said. She has a number of aunts, uncles and cousins 79 miles away in San Antonio. "They're really supportive, like a second family," she said.

Lumauag is a 6-foot-1, 280-pound center whom coach Kevin McGarry considers one of the prizes of his recruiting class at San Diego, which is a Division I-AA program. Lumauag considered two other colleges.

The commitment of Lumauag and nine others were announced this week by Doris Sullivan, director of student services for Hawai'i Sports Network, which finds financial aid at Mainland colleges for Hawai'i athletes. The others:

Football

• Ka'ea Simeona, offensive lineman from Kamehameha, to San Diego, where he plans to study marine biology.

• Kea Toledo, 6-4, 270-pound offensive lineman from Damien, to Mesa State (Colo.).

• Soloni Taumalolo, OIA Red Conference second-team running back from Kaimuki, to Yuba (California) junior college.

• Abner Nakihei, All-Maui running back from Lahainaluna, to Missouri Valley.

• Chad Rayno, defensive back for Pac-Five from Lanakila Baptist, to the Coast Guard Academy prep school.

Golf

• Christian Akau, 2001 ILH champion (68.5 stroke average) from Kamehameha, to Idaho.

• Steven Nguyen, Iolani, to Regis (Denver).

Swimming

• Nika Nakamoto, Kalani, to Fresno State.

Volleyball

• Kehaulani Regidor, Kaua'i High, to Mesa State (Colo.).