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Lineman's longevity big boost for Hawai'i
By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist
Here it was the first day of University of Hawai'i fall football camp and the defensive linemen discovered they had no position coach.
But, hey, when you've been through what defensive tackle Lui Fuga has in his Warrior career, you've long ago learned how to master the challenge and turn surprises into opportunities.
So, "Coach" Fuga quickly gathered up the linemen around him on the practice field and proceeded to purposefully run the drills in the absence of Vantz Singletary, who is scheduled to return Friday from his stint as an intern with the Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff.
"If they didn't listen to me, I was gonna take them outside and kick their butts," Fuga joked.
The fact that he was not required to dish out any discipline was probably more related to the esteem he is held in than even the fear his imposing 6-foot-1, 299-pound presence can instill.
For the man that teammates have come to call "Pops" and "Dad" is a profile in persistence six years in the making. At age 24 with a bachelor's degree in communications behind him and a master's in education a matter of months in front, Fuga leads by example as much as seniority.
Given a sixth year by the NCAA in late May and a son, Prodieus Quinn Lutu-Fuga, by his fiancee, Kimberly Lutu, three weeks later, "I've been blessed," Fuga said.
Career-wise, it has been a circuitous route that brought Fuga to UH when June Jones' coaching staff arrived in January 1999.
A heavily recruited prospect out of Waipahu High who settled upon Nevada-Las Vegas, Fuga left before taking a class or putting on a pad, turning up at UH. And except for two shoulder surgeries that kept him out of the 2001 season and a severe ankle injury suffered in the 2002 season opener, it might have been a smooth trip.
Fuga received a medical hardship year for the 2001 injuries and after deciding not to take the traditional Senior Walk in December on faith and turning out for spring practice on hope, with no promise of NCAA mercy, was granted a rare sixth season for the ankle injury.
"I believe things happen for a reason and as hard as everything was at times, I'm glad to be here now," Fuga said.
His joy at being able to return is perhaps exceeded only by that of the Warriors at having him back.
"If he can stay healthy, he can be a real big-time player for us," Jones said.
Indeed, on a defensive line where six of the top eight players, must be replaced, Fuga's 35 games (10 as a starter) of experience and leadership are prized.
Said offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh: "He's a helluva kid — and it seems like he has been here as long as I have."
Almost long enough to call him "Coach" Fuga.
Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.
