Gilmore gets start at safety Saturday
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In four years at the University of Hawai'i, football player David Gilmore has made a nickname for himself — two, in fact.
The players call him "White Chocolate," after he wrote in the team's 2003 football media guide that "(I) am the only white guy left on the whole defense."
GILMORE
But he has lived up to the coaches' nickname of "Happy," a play on the Adam Sandler character.
He said he is happy he decided to attend UH after graduating from an Albuquerque, N.M., high school in 1999, happy to have earned a scholarship this year, happy to be named the starting free safety for Saturday's game against Texas-El Paso at Aloha Stadium.
Although he has started two games as an outside linebacker in specially designed defenses, this will be his first start this season as a safety.
"I'm excited," said Gilmore, who was told of the starting job during Monday's team meeting.
Rich Miano, who coordinates UH's pass defense, said Gilmore has "been playing so well the last few weeks. He's doing his assignments, making plays, recovering fumbles. He deserves an opportunity to start."
Gilmore has managed to remain upbeat despite a painful herniated disk that makes it difficult to sit comfortably in class. He has sought help from several doctors and therapists. For Gilmore, a fifth-year senior, rest is not an option.
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"I don't want to miss any games," said Gilmore, who is 6 feet 1, 197 pounds. "There's going to be a time when I look back and I'm going to really miss football. We have six (regular-season) games and hopefully a bowl left. I have to make the best of it. This probably is going to be the last time I'll play football."
David Gilmore (17) recovered a fumble against Rice. "He's doing his assignments, making plays," says assistant Rich Miano.
Gilmore is one of eight players remaining from 1999, June Jones' first season as Warrior head coach.
"I've been around for a while," Gilmore, 23, said. "Sometimes, I'm feeling really old on the team. I look back, when I was a freshman, and I think about the guys who were fifth-year seniors. Sometimes I wonder how the young guys see me."
Through the years, he has watched scores of players come and go. The biggest change, he said, is "Hawai'i is like a home to me now. Before, I was homesick. I always looked forward to going home. But I've met a bunch of great people out here, within the program and outside of it. I'm happy here."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
