Learning not to give up hope
University of Hawai'i cornerback Abraham Elimimian, 22, one of the top defensive backs in the Western Athletic Conference, will write about his preparation for the coming football season. A weekly series of articles will run up to the Warriors' Sept. 4 season opener against Florida Atlantic.
By Abraham Elimimian
Special to The Advertiser
This week I had time to reminisce and have fun. The Hawaiian Islanders were having their last home game at the Blaisdell Arena. I decided to go and watch what was hyped to be a fierce game.
The Hawaiian Islanders versus the Louisville Fire was a football game that lived up to every promoter's dream. Moreover, it was added incentive for me to watch Islanders head coach Cal Lee — our linebackers coach — and former Warrior quarterback Shawn Withy-Allen win their last home game of the season.
Every play was very exciting. Just when the Louisville Fire were about to score and take a commanding lead in the game, the Islanders forced a key fumble and Withy-Allen led them to a come-from-behind victory.
I took one important lesson from this game. There are times when people might count a team out of a game. However, until the clock reads "0:00," you are never out of the game. Just like the Islanders proved, one turnover can change the outcome of an entire game and turn jeers into a stadium full of cheers.
Just yesterday I learned that defensive tackle Abu Ma'afala has decided not to come back for this upcoming year. I am obviously sad that I have lost a teammate and a friend. Abu knows that he means a lot to us. I certainly hope the best for him. However, his departure leaves another opportunity for an eager defensive tackle to come in and start.
Next week, quarterback Tim Chang and I are set to go to Reno, Nev., for the Western Athletic Conference annual media briefing. During this time we will be asked questions about the upcoming year, including the status of our team and our possible preseason ranking in the WAC.
I look forward to going on this business trip with Tim and meeting other schools' player representatives. This should be a fun and interesting trip.
