Elimimian to play in Senior Bowl
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i football player Abraham Elimimian yesterday accepted an invitation to play in the Jan. 29 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
The Senior Bowl, which is coordinated in association with the National Football League, attracts hundreds of scouts and pro football officials.
Elimimian
Elimimian, who is 5 feet 10 and 187 pounds, will be coached by the staff of the Oakland Raiders.
Steve Hale, the bowl's president and chief executive officer, said only 10 cornerbacks have been invited.
"We're excited about him participating in this year's Senior Bowl," Hale said. "We think he's a tremendously talented corner who will represent the University of Hawai'i extremely well in this year's game. We bring in five corners per squad, and there's no question, in our evaluation, he certainly deserved to be in that group."
Elimimian, who was born in Nigeria and raised in San Luis Obispo, said, "It does feel like I'm living the American dream. I've worked so hard for this. Every offseason I've dedicated myself to be in this position."
Elimimian praised Rich Miano, who coaches the UH defensive secondary and coordinates the pass defense. "He helped me live up to my potential," Elimimian said. "I'm very grateful. It's a great honor. I have to represent Hawai'i now."
Elimimian earned a bachelor's degree in political science last month.
Speed camp
The next series of Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics will begin this coming weekend.
Rich Miano, who played 11 years in the National Football League, and Mel deLaura, who serves as the University of Hawai'i's strength and conditioning coach, are the directors.
The clinic is available in two age groups — 7-12 and 13 and older — and conducted at the UH-Manoa facilities.
The cost is $10 per session, and includes refreshments.
For details, call 739-4444 or log on to: www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
