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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:34 p.m., Thursday, October 9, 2008

MAKA GRANTED ANOTHER SEASON
Warriors DE Maka granted sixth season, can play immediately

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

University of Hawai‘i defensive end Francis Maka, shown at today's practice, was granted a sixth season by the NCAA.

RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Francis Maka today was granted a sixth season and is eligible to rejoin the University of Hawai'i football team for this season.

Maka was given a conditional waiver to practice for 14 days while he waited for his appeal.

The NCAA today ruled that Maka's request would be granted and he is immediately eligible to play for the Warriors.

"I'm especially happy for Francis because he's such a great person," head coach Greg McMackin said in a release. "He was an outstanding player for our defense last year. I'm really pleased that his constant efforts convinced the NCAA to extend his eligibility. He will be a great addition to our football team."

Maka has to practice one more day without pads before he is fully cleared to practice and to compete in the game.

The Warriors have a walk-through practice tomorrow afternoon.

Maka attended the University of Arizona in 2003-04 but did not play because of a financial situation and a knee injury.

He attended the College of San Mateo for two years before transferring to UH in January 2007.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound Maka played defensive end last season.

The petitioned for a sixth season because he said had suffered a hardship (financially and physically) and did not play for two years.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.