Posted on: Friday, June 17, 2005
Warriors' Watson cleared to play
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i defensive tackle Keala Watson, who missed most of the 2004 football season because of injuries and a genetic blood disorder, has been medically cleared to compete for the Warriors this coming season.
"He'll be able to go," UH coach June Jones said.
The biggest obstacle was cleared when Watson was told he could play despite being diagnosed with Von Willebrand's disorder. The condition is similar to hemophilia, in which a chemical deficiency does not allow his blood to clot normally.
Although he was born with the condition, Watson said, he did not learn he had a problem until he underwent a blood test last summer. In March, he was treated at a Los Angeles hospital specializing in blood disorders, where he was diagnosed with Von Willebrand's.
Watson was prescribed a medication that will allow his blood to clot normally if he suffers from a gash. He also will be required to wear extra padding to minimize the risk of sustaining cuts.
"I have to take certain precautions, but that's OK," Watson said.
Vantz Singletary, who coaches the UH defensive linemen, said: "We're glad to have him back. He can really help us. He can play anywhere along the (defensive) front."
Watson, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, has gained 21 pounds since last season and now weighs 320.
"I'm going to play a lot at nose tackle (in short-yard situations), facing triple and double teams," Watson said. "I wanted to pick up more pounds so nobody can push me around."
Final June speed clinic
The final June sessions of the Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinic are scheduled for tomorrow and Sunday at the UH athletic complex.
This weekend's workouts include resistance training involving parachutes and sleds.
The featured speakers are Rich Miano, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, and Mel deLaura, a personal trainer for several former pro basketball players (Kermit Washington, Jerome Kersey, Kevin Duckworth).
There are sessions for ages 7-12 (8:30-10 a.m.) and 13-older (10:30 a.m.-noon). Each session is priced at $10 per camper, and includes a Jamba Juice coupon.
For details, call 739-5444 or log on to: hawaiispeedandquickness.com.
Spartan game on KFVE
ESPNU and ESPN Regional Television will produce UH's Sept. 10 road game against Michigan State, but the telecast will air on KFVE.
ESPNU, a 24-hour college sports network, is not available in Hawai'i. KFVE secured a deal to air ERT-produced UH football games. Kickoff is 9:30 a.m. Hawai'i time.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
Watson said the cast on his surgically repaired left wrist was removed last week. He also has successfully completed rehabilitation on his injured right shoulder.
