Posted on: Friday, January 11, 2002

St. Louis defensive lineman commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

All-state defensive lineman John Siofele of St. Louis School has accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

"The coaches are really friendly, and this is a chance to play in front of my friends and family," said Siofele, who is the younger brother of Joe Siofele, the state's defensive player of the year in 1998.

By committing to the Warriors, John Siofele turned down an opportunity to join his brother at Arizona. Siofele said he canceled his recruiting visit to Arizona.

"I feel comfortable at the University of Hawai'i," Siofele said.

Siofele, who is 6 feet and 260 pounds, is projected to compete at defensive tackle for the Warriors. He can bench press 225 pounds 20 times.

"They're getting a young man who is so eager to learn and get better," St. Louis coach Cal Lee said. "He has a lot of heart and desire and quickness. I don't worry about him."

Lee said Siofele is a good student who has a 3.0 grade-point average and already has earned an SAT score that will allow him to play as an NCAA freshman.

Siofele said he plans on majoring in business or computer science. He also is an accomplished, self-taught piano player.

"He's a great person, and he'll be a good edition for UH," Lee said.