Lutus glad they chose football

SEATTLE >> About 30 years ago, Leroy Lutu Sr. had to make a career choice.

“I loved football and basketball,” said Lutu, who was a standout at University High, “but my heart was with football. I still love basketball, but it was hard.”

Lutu Sr. ended up playing tight end at the University of Washington.

“U-Dub was lucky to get him,” said his cousin, Jack Thompson, who was known as the “Throwin’ Samoan” as a Washington State quarterback. “He should have been a Cougar. Imagine how many catches he would have had as a Cougar tight end. It would have been off the charts.”

Lutu Sr.’s son had to make a similar choice, leaving the Hawaii basketball program, where he was a walk-on guard, to join the Warriors football team as a safety in 2010.

Thursday afternoon at Seattle Memorial Stadium, Leroy Lutu Jr. participated in the Warriors’ final full practice in preparation for Saturday’s game against Washington.

“I haven’t played a home game in front of a crowd since high school,” said Lutu Jr., who was raised in Washington. “I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it. I have all of my family and old friends coming to the game.”

Lutu Sr. and Thompson attended the 2-hour practice. Lutu Sr. and Dick Tomey, who coordinates UH’s special teams, exchanged handshakes.

“Coach Tomey was (UH’s) head coach when I was a (high school) senior,” Lutu Sr. recalled. “He recruited me. I wanted to stay home, but it’s a long story. My dad basically got recruited by U-Dub. He fell in love with the program. I would have wanted to stay home, but it didn’t work out that way. But U-Dub was great to me.”

Lutu Sr. never moved back to Hawaii.

“I met my wife up here, and I started raising a family,” Lutu Sr. said. “I live around Mercer Island. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

He owns a real-estate-appraisal company.

Lutu Jr. also was a multisport athlete in high school.

“It’s interesting the way it worked out,” Lutu Jr. said. “It’s been going well so far. I’m blessed with the opportunity to have played D-I basketball and football.”

Lutu Jr. is listed as the Warriors’ No. 2 strong safety.

“I’m glad he’s playing football,” Lutu Sr. said. “He’s always loved it. Basketball has been a good sport for him, but deep down, football has been his passion.”

Lutu Sr. acknowledged that some choices are not that difficult.

“I’ll be rooting for the Warriors,” Lutu Sr. said. “Blood is thicker than water.”