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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Thursday, July 29, 2004

WARRIOR DIARY

Learning to enjoy the suite life in Reno

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

RENO, Nev. — I was honored to be asked to represent the University of Hawai'i at the Western Athletic Conference Football Media Preview, but I didn't know it would turn out to be so much fun.

I'm here with quarterback Tim Chang, and our room at the Peppermill Hotel is perfect. We have a nice jacuzzi — right in the middle of the room. There are two big-screen TVs and two fridges. We have a bathroom that is too big to even know what to do with it. The beds are remarkable. I had such a great sleep, I didn't even hear Tim snore.

I live in a little studio back in Hawai'i, so in comparison, this is a big place. It's one of those places you would expect a big Hollywood star to stay. I hope they didn't give us Coach June Jones' room by mistake. He arrived this morning, and his room wasn't ready.

We learned we were picked by the media to finish third in the WAC. Boise is first. Every team believes it should win it all. Deep down, we know we're a tight unit. Being picked third will deflect some of the tension off of us until we get ready for our conference games.

It's been great meeting the players and coaches in a casual atmosphere. Coach Pat Hill of Fresno State was cracking jokes. A lot of people don't know he's good friends with Coach Jones. When Pat Hill came in for lunch, he went right to our table because he wanted to sit with his buddy. I could tell Coach Jones really respects him. Pat Hill wants his son to play for Hawai'i because he likes Coach Jones.

The biggest thing I learned here is to know when to quit. In football, you're taught to never give up, to compete until the end. It's different with casino games. You have to know when to quit. Don't get too greedy. That's the key to life over here. You have to know when to walk away from the tables.