The book on running back Steven Lakalaka is “Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy.”
“Dislocated elbow, torn hamstring, concussions, dislocations in my fingers, sprained ankles …” said Lakalaka, reciting the ailments he incurred during his five-year University of Hawaii football career.
The thing is, Lakalaka is applying all those physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions toward his kinesiology studies.
“All of that made me interested (in medicine),” said Lakalaka, a Dean’s List student who aspires to be a doctor or physician’s assistant. “Whenever football is over, I’m trying to reach the highest. I want to go from there, and see where it lands. I have a free education. I’m trying to take advantage of that.”
An optimistic attitude translates to positive yards on the field. In the past two seasons, Lakalaka was tackled for a loss only five times. In 366 career carries, he has fumbled four times, losing one. Lakalaka has been penalized only once in 31 games since joining the Rainbow Warriors in 2012.
“I try to focus on developing the blocks and see if there are holes there,” Lakalaka said of his running approach. “If there are no holes, I just ram through and get positive yards.
Lakalaka’s bully-back appearance belies his agility. He relies on a quick first step and jump cuts to elude would-be tacklers. He credits his basketball background for his footwork. He was a wingman on the Punahou School basketball team that won the 2012 state title. True to his versatility, Lakalaka, who is 5 feet 10, defended Kahuku’s power forward in that game.
Lakalaka said he draws inspiration — and preparation — from his family. Lakalaka avoids pain-killers for postgame aches. Instead, his grandmother, Malia, offers “healing” water and prayers. His father, Ronley, a construction worker with coal-crushing strength, provides weekly massages.
“He’s helped me since I was in Pop Warner,” Lakalaka said. “My family gives me a lot of support. They bring fire to me when I’m playing.”
Fire-knife twirling, by the way, is one of Lakalaka’s hidden talents.
Lakalaka also hydrates frequently, and visits the training room regularly for ice treatments and electrical stimulation sessions.
“I’m blessed I’m super healthy now,” said Lakalaka, whose Rainbow Warriors open their Mountain West schedule against Nevada this coming Saturday. “I have to finish hard, stay strong. And the rest of the seniors have to make our mark. We have to make a mark for Coach (Nick) Rolovich’s first season.”
