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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, January 13, 2005

Oregon's loss is UH's gain as Mililani's Kia commits

Advertiser Staff

The University of Hawai'i has received a verbal commitment from Aaron Kia, an All-State offensive lineman from Mililani High School.

Kia
"This is a great opportunity for me," said Kia, who is 6 feet 3 and 268 pounds.

Kia can run 40 yards in 5.0 seconds, and is projected to compete at offensive tackle.

Kia had wanted to decide on a college after visiting Oregon this weekend. But Oregon, having filled its recruiting allotment of offensive linemen, withdrew its scholarship offer to Kia.

"It made the decision easy for me," he said.

Kia also had received an offer to join UCLA as a walk-on.

Even if Oregon had honored its offer, Kia was leaning toward UH, particularly after offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh announced he was turning down a lucrative offer from San Jose State to remain with the Warriors.

"He was a big factor," Kia said. "I really want to play for him. I hope he stays at least another six years."