Rico Rosario rushed for 1,266 yards and 15 touchdowns as a Waianae junior running back last season, so many people wondered why he didn’t play in a season-opening, nonleague, 49-7 home loss to Waianae last Saturday.
Rosario said Tuesday night that he did not play in the game for two reasons. One, he broke a team rule, and two, he had an elbow injury suffered in a scrimmage against Punahou.
Rosario also said that his absence is temporary. He has not been told by coaches exactly when he can return to his running back position on the field, but that it could be as soon as the Seariders’ next game, which is Saturday at home against Kapolei.
Head coach Walter Young could not be reached for comment, and Waianae athletic director Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, while not giving any specific information on Rosario’s date of return, confirmed that Rosario’s absence is not a long-term thing.
Rosario also finished 2016 with 187 receiving yards en route to being named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State first team. He helped lead the Seariders to an appearance in the inaugural Open Division state tournament.
Thank You for clarifying! I don’t know where everyone comes up with assumptions of Rosario being out for not having grades, being ineligible for playing in the All-star game or because he was conteplating about transferring to Liberty! I’m glad this article was written! Rosario said there were 2 reasons why He couldn’t play… 1. He broke a team rule which also was stated in the article on the 7th in the comments that He did not fulfill one of the coaches off season requirements and 2. He had an elbow injury from the Punahou scrimmage. I’m not going to lie and beat around the bush. My Son also plays with Rosario and for his first reason why He had to sit was a bunch of B.S. towards the coaching staff. This all happened in 3rd Quarter and a lot of parents was questioning because they were not aware of this off season requirements and was not aware that their child was not going to play at St. Louis’ game because of it!! Infact I as a parent was pissed because of all the lack of communication on the coaches behalf!! My Son as well was supposed to be on that sideline but somehow got to play. 2. It was also said in the article on the 7th about Rosario’s gestures, body language and how he was throwing his equipment down during the scrimmages. Well that was because they pulled him from the scrimmage early. It’s not that he injured his elbow there but didn’t want an old injury occurring once again. No football player would ever like that idea!! All they want to do is play!! I wouldn’t doubt if He disagreed but I’m thankful they did pull him because the scrimmages don’t really mean a thing. The team really needs him during the real season!!
What was the off season requirement? Curiosity is overwhelming at this point.
So Rosario displayed signs of anger by throwing his equipment around when coach had him sit? That sounds like the discipline problems that coach Young is trying to address. Don’t get me wrong Waianae has a good team. Even if they lost to StL., they did not show bad sportsmenship. When Waianae gets rid of all negative actions and turn it positive, they achieved the next level.