Posted on: Saturday, January 12, 2002

St. Louis lineman says he will play at Hawai'i

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Siofele: Canceled planned trip to Arizona

A highly regarded defensive lineman yesterday accepted a football scholarship from the University of Hawai'i.

John Siofele of St. Louis School said he will sign a national letter of intent Feb. 6, the first day high school seniors are permitted to put their commitments in writing.

By committing to the Warriors, Siofele turned down an opportunity to join his brother, Joe Siofele, at Arizona. Joe Siofele, also a St. Louis graduate, was The Advertiser's high school defensive player of the year in 1998.

Siofele took a recruiting visit to UH last month, then decided to cancel his trip to Arizona.

"The coaches are really friendly, and this is a chance to play in front of my friends and family," Siofele said. "I feel comfortable at the University of Hawai'i."

Siofele, who is 6 feet and 260 pounds, is projected to compete at defensive tackle for the Warriors, who, like the Crusaders, use a four-player defensive front.

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."

Lee said Siofele missed two games "with a little knee injury" last season, but finished strong, helping the Crusaders reach the championship game of the state tournament.