HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i football head coach Greg McMackin announced the 2008 award winners at the annual awards banquet, sponsored by Na Koa, Sunday night, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. One week after being snubbed of first team all-Western Athletic Conference team honors, defensive lineman David Veikune was awarded with the Alec Waterhouse Most Valuable Player Award.

Veikune, a second team all-WAC pick, is the team's third-leading tackler with 71 and has team-highs of 16.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks. The senior also had 10 quarterback hurries and leads the WAC with four forced fumbles.

The Ben Yee Most Inspirational Player Award went to senior long snapper Jake Ingram and defensive back Ryan Mouton. Ingram has not had a bad snap in two years and Mouton was the team's shut down corner, who also saw action at slotback and kickoff return.

Sophomore running back/slot receiver Kealoha Pilares grabbed the team's scholar-athlete award for the second consecutive year. The sophomore led the team with seven touchdowns and 511 yards from scrimmage.

Warrior Club honors went to senior center John Estes, senior linebacker Solomon Elimimian, and punter Tim Grasso. Scout Team Award winners were redshirt freshman quarterback Shane Austin, redshirt defensive lineman Alasi Toilolo, and senior defensive back Ryan Perry. The Captain's Award was handed out to Estes, Elimimian, senior linebacker Adam Leonard, and senior defensive lineman Keala Watson.

 

 

Offense: John Estes

Defense: Solomon Elimimian

Special Teams: Tim Grasso

     

Offense: Shane Austin

Defense: Alasi Toilolo

Special Teams: Ryan Perry

Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award: Jake Ingram and Ryan Mouton

 

Scholar-Athlete Award: Kealoha Pilares

 

Alec Waterhouse Most Valuable Player Award: David Veikune