Knock-down running suits Keli'ikipi to 'T'
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Here are three things that might not be known about University of Hawai'i junior running back West Keli'ikipi:
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
• After every game, Keli'ikipi, with the urgency of a lei-carrying relative at a graduation ceremony, searches through the field of chaos to find each of the defenders he knocked down.
Fresno State's Nathan Ray took the smart approach, knocking 260-pound West Keli'ikipi off his feet.
"I apologize to them because I want to stay humble and make a good impression," he said. After UH's 55-28 victory Saturday night, he told Fresno State safety Bryce McGill, "I'm sorry about everything, but I had to do what I had to do."
McGill said: "No problem. That's part of the game."
• After two weeks on the Atkins Diet, which considers starches to be a no-no, the 260-pound Keli'ikipi has shed six pounds. Hoping to lose another 15 to 20 pounds, he finds motivation with every rushing attempt.
"Honestly, when I'm running with the ball, I'm laughing because I can feel my stomach jiggling," he said. "I'm laughing, but nobody else knows why."
• The 'T' in his first name is silent. "I just say 'Wes,' " he insisted.
Keli'ikipi, a 1998 Wai'anae High graduate, took the circuitous route to Manoa. He left a junior college when he discovered he was not guaranteed a scholarship. In 2000, he enrolled at UH, but his financial aid covered only one semester. He dropped out and worked as a welder before joining the Warriors in August.
Keli'ikipi
At home games, Keli'ikipi said, his family wears T-shirts with the words "Resurrection" and "Redemption." Keli'ikipi, a self-described born-again Christian, said "resurrection" is an announcement of his faith.
"Redemption, to me, means paying back my family and my community," he said.
The 23-year-old said he often feels out of place "being in a class with 17- and 18-year-olds. I feel old, but you know, I have to do what I have to do to play and get an education. It's an honor to be playing for the University of Hawai'i."
• Health report: Wideout Jeremiah Cockheran, who is recovering from a sprained right ankle, declared himself fit to play in Saturday's road game against Louisiana Tech. But even as a co-captain, Cockheran has limited input.
"It's based on Coach's decision," he said, referring to head coach June Jones. "I think I can run and I think I can play, but it's how he feels and if he wants to play me. ... It's 'yes' in my opinion but 'no' in his opinion."
Defensive tackles Isaac Sopoaga and Lui Fuga did not compete in contact drills yesterday, but both are expected to play Saturday. Sopoaga has missed two games because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Fuga suffered a "twisted" right knee against Fresno State.
Right tackle Brandon Eaton, who aggravated a sprained left ankle, said he expects to practice today. The team leaves this afternoon. According to Jones' rules, a player must practice today to be eligible for the 60-player travel roster.
"I've got to make it," said Eaton, whose family lives in Houston, where the Warriors will practice twice before traveling to Monroe, La., Friday afternoon.
If Eaton is not available, freshman Jeremy Inferrera will start at right tackle. Inferrera lost his starting job at left tackle after struggling against Tulsa two weeks ago.
"That wasn't one of my best games," he said. "I'm going to work extra hard this week."
Inferrera is the only 2003 high school graduate to play extensively for the Warriors this season. "I don't want (the coaches) to consider me as a freshman," he said. "That way I can work as hard as the other players. I don't want them to say, 'Oh, that was a freshman mistake.' "
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
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