Warriors' 'hero' heads Class of '02
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones tries not to play favorites, but this time he can't help it.
Advertiser library photo • Aug. 31, 2002
Of all of this season's seniors, Jones admits to admiring one who has never been late for a meeting in four years and has excelled in the classroom, earning membership in the Golden Key National Honor Society.
Cerebral palsy hasn't stopped Brian Kajiyama from attending UH football practices. He will graduate Dec. 22.
"He's an inspiration to our team," Jones said of Brian Kajiyama, who was born with the most severe form of the neurological disorder cerebral palsy.
Kajiyama attends most of the team's meetings and practices, using a touch-control steering stick to direct his motorized wheelchair.
"Sometimes we think we're having a bad day and we complain about having to practice," UH linebacker Chris Brown said. "Then we look over, and Brian is smiling and supporting us 100 percent. He's always so grateful to see us, and, you know, we're grateful to see him. It takes a lot of effort for him to be out here every day. But he does it, and he goes to school. He's like a hero to us."
Kajiyama, a liberal arts major, will receive his bachelor's degree at UH's Dec. 22 graduation ceremony.
It has been a long battle. The school's Kokua Program helps provide him with class notes and program workers assist in drawing charts. But Kajiyama does not need much additional help. He writes class papers on a laptop computer with a specially made keyboard.
"For him to be graduating is a testimony of what you can do," Jones said. "Nothing is impossible. He's quite a story. You just need to look at Brian's life and what kind of obstacles are real. What's in front of each and everyone of us is nothing compared to what he goes through every day."
Kajiyama attended his first football practice in 1999, Jones' first year as UH's head coach. Unlike previous UH coaches, Jones set practices in the morning, which fit into Kajiyama's schedule. Soon, Jones was inviting Kajiyama to attend strategy meetings.
"He's been through everything," Jones said. "He has been very diligent. He's a part of this team."
When the Warriors play on the road, Kajiyama and backup punter Greg Kleidon will watch a telecast of the game at Manoa Gardens on the UH campus.
"He's a great supporter," Brown said.
Several Warriors plan on returning the favor. "I can't wait to be there for him at the graduation," Kleidon said.
At that time, it will be Kajiyama receiving the cheers.
Here is the rest of the Class of '02:
• Alapai Andrews, offensive lineman.
After playing on the defensive line in 1999 and 2000, he moved to offense last year. The Hawaiian Studies major will earn a bachelor's degree in May.
Favorite UH memory: "I guess it would be the BYU game last year. The atmosphere was great."
Fun fact: He taught kindergarten at Punahou School last summer.
• Omar Bennett, slotback.
He joined UH after two years at a junior college and one at California. He is expected to earn a bachelor's degree next year.
• Keith Bhonapha, defensive back.
Using a self-taught training program, Bhonapha has developed into a skilled defender. A liberal studies major with a focus on criminology, Bhonapha will earn a bachelor's degree in May.
Favorite UH memory: "The BYU game last year, just because it was so big."
Fun fact: He sings songs by Marvin Gaye and the Temptations before games.
• Chris Brown, middle linebacker.
The tri-captain can bench press a school record 505 pounds. He has won more games this season than he did during his entire career at Damien Memorial High. He is scheduled to earn a bachelor's degree in May.
Favorite UH memory: "It's when you hear your name being called as you run out of the tunnel at Aloha Stadium. The crowd is going nuts and, through the smoke, you see Vili (Fehoko, who serves as the UH mascot). I'll always remember those moments."
Fun fact: The self-proclaimed No. 1 fan of actress/singer Jennifer Love Hewett also is the cousin of sumo wrestler Akebono.
• Sean Butts, safety.
A converted wide receiver, Butts is one of the team's best special teams players. He has been invited to play in the Hula Bowl. He received a bachelor's degree last August.
• Justin Colbert, wideout.
He is the fastest player on the team (4.3 seconds over 40 yards) and a three-year starter. He will earn a bachelor's degree in speech in December 2003.
Favorite UH memory: "Winning that first bowl game in 1999. That was my favorite."
Fun fact: His cousin is Scottie Pippen of the Portland Trail Blazers.
• La'anui Correa, defensive end.
After transferring from Nevada-Las Vegas, where he played as a freshman, the former St. Louis School standout became a two-year starter at left end. He is on track to earn a sociology degree in December 2003.
Favorite UH memory: "Team-wise, it was beating BYU last year. Individually, it probably was getting that pick against David Carr in the Fresno State game last year."
Fun fact: As a child, he rode horses — and cows — on his family's ranch in Waimanalo.
• Lui Fuata, center.
He has started at every position on the offensive line. He expects to earn a degree in sociology in May or August.
Favorite UH memory: "It had to be the BYU game last year."
Fun fact: His uncle is former City Councilman John DeSoto.
• Josh Galeai, running back.
Galeai has emerged as a skilled special teams player and blocking back. He will earn a bachelor's degree next August.
Favorite UH memory: "Just being on the same team with my cousins, Pisa (Tinoisamoa) and Se'e (Poumele). It's been great."
Fun fact: "I'm 22 and still get dropped off and picked up at school every day," said Galeai, who also can play the clarinet and once was a bagel maker.
• Neal Gossett, wideout.
Waipahu High graduate succeeded Ashley Lelie as the starting right wideout this season. Gossett, who is majoring in ethnic studies, is scheduled to graduate in May.
Favorite UH memory: "My best memory hasn't happened yet. I think it's going to be the Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas."
Fun fact: Gossett was a military police officer in the Air National Guard.
• Jonathan Kauka, running back. One of the Warriors' best special teams player, Kauka suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. He earned a bachelor's degree in speech communication in August, and has applied for the master's program in education.
Favorite UH memory: "For me, the best time would be the game against Alabama. Even though we lost, the boys really played together. Seeing everybody play for one another was really touching."
• Greg Kleidon, punter.
He has endured, despite numerous injuries, including a sprained ankle suffered two days before the 2000 season opener and a hernia this year. He will earn a degree in English in May.
Favorite UH memory: "I loved the whole experience, from the very first game until this last game. Just being part of it all was the best."
Fun fact: Only married player on the team.
• Vince Manuwai, right guard.
The three-year starter and tri-captain can bench press 500 pounds. He has been invited to play in three postseason all-star games. He is scheduled to earn a bachelor's degree in May 2004.
Favorite UH memory: "I enjoy hanging out with my teammates and being part of a winning season."
Fun fact: He has not cut his hair in two years.
• Mat McBriar, punter.
Encouraged to join UH after winning a kicking contest in Australia, McBriar is regarded as the best punter in the Western Athletic Conference. He is scheduled to earn a degree in economics in December 2003.
Favorite UH memory: "Beating BYU, of course. That was pretty special."
Fun fact: He was a standout half-forward in Australian Rules Football.
• Thero Mitchell, running back.
The former walk-on from Washington state has been a part-time starter the past two seasons. He will earn a degree in history in May, and is considering applying for law school.
Favorite UH memory: "I loved it the first year when we beat Fresno State. It sealed up a piece of the WAC championship. That was a real feel-good moment. Actually, it was great to beat Fresno State at Fresno this year. It's a tie, I guess."
Fun fact: Once worked as a pizza maker.
• Pisa Tinoisamoa, outside linebacker.
He is the Warriors' leading tackler and a tri-captain. He already has been invited to play in three postseason bowls. Tinoisamoa said he is on track to graduate next August.
Favorite UH memory: "I'd have to go with this year's win in Fresno State."
Fun fact: According to teammates, Tinoisamoa sleeps with his eyes open.
• Colin Wills, defensive end.
Born and raised in Omaha, Neb., Wills has several relatives here. He was part of the rotation on the defensive line. Wills expects to earn a degree in marketing and business in December 2003.
Favorite UH memory: "That would be the Fresno State game last year, when we had to come from behind to win."
Fun fact: His cousin is baseball player Benny Agbayani.
• Shawn Withy-Allen, quarterback.
The fifth-year senior turned down an invitation to play at Harvard. He also is the holder and top backup quarterback. He will graduate Dec. 22.
Favorite memory: "Helping the team win at UTEP this year," a game in which his second career pass resulted in a touchdown.
Fun fact: "As a young kid, I wanted to be an Olympic mogul skier."
• Matt Wright, outside linebacker. After converting from running back, Wright became the starter on the strong side last year. He will earn a bachelor's degree in May.
Fun fact: Creator of the "Dolphin Dance," Wright often will dance by himself at local clubs.
