Warriors continue Kafentzis connection
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two more members of the Kafentzis family have accepted invitations to join the University of Hawai'i football team.
Landon and Tyson Kafentzis — the sons of former UH safety Mark Kafentzis — will report to the Warriors' training camp in August.
They will be the sixth and seventh family members to play for UH.
Mark Kafentzis, the Cleveland Browns' eighth-round draft choice in 1981, played two seasons for UH. He was followed by brothers Kurt, Kent, Kyle and Sean. The five brothers were UH defensive backs.
Landon and Tyson attended Kahala Elementary School before moving to Richland, Wash.
"Growing up over there, Hawai'i football was everything," said Landon, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety. "Having all of my uncles go through the program, that's all they talked about. I grew up having a love for the program."
As a Richland High senior three years ago, Landon was recruited by Arizona's Dick Tomey, who was the UH head coach when Mark played college football.
"Coach Tomey is an awesome guy," Landon said. "I thought it would be great to play for the guy who coached my dad and my uncles."
But Tomey resigned before Landon enrolled. Landon stayed at Arizona for two seasons before transferring to Tima Community College in Arizona last season.
Landon and Tyson, a senior at Richland High, visited UH in February. Tyson is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker. Although there were no available scholarships, they agreed to join UH in the fall.
"We're hoping they'll earn scholarships," said their mother, Lisa.
"That's the hope," said Mark, who runs an investment company.
Mark said Hawai'i is a natural fit for his sons.
"The thing about Hawai'i is how the people treated us," Mark said. "They really opened their arms and extended themselves to me and my brothers. Actually, Hawai'i feels like more of a home to the Kafentzis family than the Tri-Cities where we grew up. There are a lot of strong ties there. The people there treated us great, and I really respect the people of the island and their customs. We feel like we fit in."
Speed camps: The Hawai'i Speed & Quickness Clinic, coordinated by coaches Mel deLaura and Rich Miano, will have sessions Saturday and Sunday on the UH campus. For ages 7-12, each session is from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Gym I. For ages 13 and older, each session is from 2 to 4 p.m. at Cooke Field. The $10 donation includes Jamba Juice and Subway certificates. For information, call 739-5444 or go to: www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
