What Hawai’i football senior Kenny transpired to be just a campus tour turned out to be a full scholarship offer from the Unversity of team for Waimea Estes. “I didn’t even know I was going to get a scholarship. I
What Hawai’i football senior Kenny transpired to be just a campus tour turned out to be a full scholarship offer from the Unversity of team for Waimea Estes.
“I didn’t even know I was going to get a scholarship. I just thought I was going up to see the campus,” Estes said.
The Menehune multitalented athlete (soccer, football, track and field) also noted that the trip was fun, but he might’ve gained a few pounds along the way.
“We just toured the campus and we also ate a lot of meals at good restaurants,” Estes said.
After a talk with Warrior head football coach June Jones at breakfast, the KIF’s offensive player of the year figured out that he’ll be playing free safety and possibly seeing some action in the kicking game.
“Coach (Cal) Lee said that if I practiced more, I might be able to kick for them,” Estes said.
Due to NCAA regulations, UH coaches weren’t able to provide any comment about Estes.
“Coach Jones brought me into the room and he offered me a scholarship. He said he was going to gray shirt me, so I’ll won’t be starting school in August. Instead, I’ll be starting in January, 2007,” Estes said.
Although the offer came as a surprise, Estes took full advantage of the opportunity.
“I just took the offer. I don’t think I could’ve gotten a better offer. My parents were surprised. They were relieved and excited,” Estes said.
Estes’ hosts were Rocky Savaiigaea (D-lineman), Fale Laeli (D-lineman), and Lawrence Wilson (D-line-man), and running back Reagan Mauia.
“It feels really good (to get a scholarship),” Estes said.
Kaua’i senior wide receiver Jett Jasper is also considering UH.
“I talked to him (Jasper) the other day and he said he wants to go to UH too,” Estes said.
Estes follows in the footsteps of Kaua’i UH football players like Ikaika Curnan (Kealia, ’02-’05), Bernard Carvalho (Kapa’a, ’80-’83), Shannon Smith (Kapa’a), Kendall Goo (Kapa’a, ’91-’94), Keala Watson (Lihu’e, 2004-present), Jade Charles (Kalaheo, ’97), Stan Kua (Lihu’e, ’78), and Mike Tresler (Lihu’e, ’87-’90).
Kaua’i UH Football Players
- Stan Kua, Lihu’e, 1978
- Bernard Carvalho, Kapa’a, 1980-83
- Mike Tresler, Lihu’e, 1987-1990
- Kendall Goo, Kapa’a, 1991-1994
- Shannon Smith, Kapa’a, 1997
- Jade Charles, Koloa, 1997
- Ikaika Curnan, Kealia, 2002-2005
- Keala Watson, Lihu’e, 2004-present
- Kenny Estes, Waimea, 2007-
