If you liked Saturday’s story on the Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance football combine, here’s more.
> > > Saint Louis, with new coach Darnell Arceneaux, will add the multiple-look sets that he favors. Among them will be some conventional sets that will make use of tight ends and fullbacks.
Like Saint Louis’ Marcus Mariota, Mililani quarterback Trent McKinney was at the combine. McKinney was among nearly a dozen Trojans there, several hours before their spring football season ended with an intrasquad scrimmage.
“Everyone wanted to come to test and see what they’ve got,” said McKinney, who nearly led Mililani to an upset at Kahuku during last year’s playoffs. He had more than 400 yards in total offense that night.
“This makes you work harder. It’s a test against the top competition in the state. You want to get ahead of them,” he said.
One of his teammates, linebacker Cilvin Steward, opened some eyes with a long jump of 9 feet, 3 inches. He also ran a 40-yard dash that ranged between 4.38 and 4.53 (hand-held time).
One of the well-rounded athletes was Saint Louis defensive end Na‘alii Robins. At 6-2 1/2 and 242 pounds, Robins ran a 4.91 40-yard dash, did the L Drill in 8.6 seconds and had a long jump of 9-2.
“It’s good getting used to everything, meeting new people and the guys who line up opposite of us,” he said.
One of his teammates, sophomore defensive tackle Reeve Koehler, left his mark. At 290 pounds, he ran a 4.9 40, improving his time over the past year even after gaining 20 pounds.
Former Pac-Five quarterback Bryson Beirne was among many former PIAA participants who volunteered to help at the various stations. Now at Arizona, he’s set to graduate early with a degree in Family Studies and Human Development.
He intends to get his degree in December, then start graduate school before his fourth year is done.
“It’s free, might as well take advantage,” Beirne said. “My goal is to work in the Native Hawaiian charter school system. Just developing our young people.”
Other former players helping out included Robert Siavii, Andrew Manley, Brenton Beirne, Mana Akagi, Abe Markowitz and Micah Hatchie.
“It’s nice to see them come back and help,” Sullivan said.
Paul Honda, Star-Bulletin
Combines are key to bringing out the new talents. It is crucial in today's every changing athletic climate and allows each player to become aware of their potential. Being well-rounded opens up long-term opportunities to players who are looking to collegiate play and beyond. The 2010 football season should be exciting and interesting to say the least. New talents, new coaches in a mix of OIA and ILH. Competition. It's a good thing.
You should check out http://www.sporttesting.ca They’re leading the Canadian sport industry for combines!