Keli'ikipi to have left knee examined
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By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
RENO, Nev. — The University of Hawai'i football team will learn today whe-ther its best power running back will play again this season.
According to a UH spokeswoman, West Keli'ikipi, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound junior from Wai'anae, suffered a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. By definition, all sprains involve some degree of ligament tearing.
"You never know when you're going to go. That's why I play every play like it's my last," West Keli'ikipi said.
For an athlete, the ACL is considered to be the most important knee ligament, and even moderate damage could require surgery. Slotback Nate Ilaoa underwent season-ending surgery in September after suffering a partially torn ACL in the Warriors' opener.
Keli'ikipi was on crutches, his left knee secured in a metal brace, through the second half of the Warriors' 24-14 loss at Nevada Saturday. Keli'ikipi said he suffered the non-contact injury when he incorrectly planted his left foot.
After the game, Keli'ikipi said, "You never know when you're going to go. That's why I play every play like it's my last."
Keli'ikipi is the Warriors' second-leading rusher with 247 yards in 10 games. He averages 6.7 yards per carry.
He is valued as a short-yardage specialist — he has a team-high six rushing touchdowns — and a physical blocker. Because UH does not employ a tight end, the lone running back is required to block the pass-rusher who trespasses the backfield.
Keli'ikipi, who is not listed in UH's 2003 football guide, has filled coach June Jones' quest for a big back who can level defenders. The only other big back on the roster is Pesefea Fiaseu Jr., a third-year sophomore who recently was academically cleared to practice.
Tomorrow, the Warriors also will learn if their Nov. 29 game against Alabama will be shown on ESPN or ESPN2. The cable network sports station has listed the game on its long-range schedule, although an official announcement has not been made.
But UH athletic director Herman Frazier said that in each of his discussions with ESPN officials, it was assured that the game would be televised nationally. Although UH has not listed the kickoff time, Frazier said he expects the game to start at either 1 p.m or 3 p.m. at Aloha Stadium, meaning it would air during prime time on the East Coast.
The telecast would fulfill ESPN's commitment to air five Western Athletic Conference regular-season football games each year. The deal between the WAC, of which UH is a member, and ESPN is set to expire at the end of the 2003-04 academic year.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
