Before the dawn’s early light, Hilo High’s Kilohana Haasenritter can be found training on the beach or in the weight room.
“I like to work out in the mornings, 4 in the morning,” Haasenritter said.
Haasenritter also got an early start on his college plans this weekend, accepting a 2020 scholarship offer from the University of Hawaii football team.
Haasenritter said he will sign a letter of intent on Feb. 5, the first day of the spring-semester signing period for football prospects. He said he chose that date instead of the December signing period because it would allow one of his mentors, Asai Gilman, to attend the ceremony.
Haasenritter transferred from Kamehameha-Hawaii, where he was used as running back, receiver and defensive back. He said he projects to compete as a running back or slotback for the Rainbow Warriors.
Two weeks ago, Haasenritter received the UH offer. He decided to delay a decision until after attending the Warriors’ football camp on June 8 and “Junior Day” on June 9.
“It was so surreal, just all the love I felt over there,” said Haasenritter, who learned about the school and the run-and-shoot offense from head coach Nick Rolovich and quarterbacks coach/pass-game coordinator Craig Stutzmann. “Coach Rolo and Coach Craig made me feel more at home. It was my home. It made it a lot easier. It made me feel I was with family.”
Haasenritter has family ties to the Warriors. His uncles Mana Silva and Kana Silva are former Warriors. Mana Silva, who played safety, had stints in the NFL.
Haasenritter said Mana Silva “treats me like I’m his brother. He calls me Braddah Kilo. It’s a funny thing he does. He’s a cool guy. He taught me a lot of tips and techniques of the game to help me become better.”
Haasenritter said he used to travel with Silva’s parents to Honolulu to watch UH games at Aloha Stadium.
Haasenritter said he has received guidance from family members, coaches and trainers. Jason Saturnio helped craft the early-morning program.
“We do beach workouts, weight-room workouts, and we even go through mental work and spiritual work,” Haasenritter said.
All of which led to fulfilling what he described as “the life-long dream” of securing a UH scholarship. “Just the history there and, after discussing it with my parents, it made it a lot easier for me to be in my home state and represent ‘Pride Rock,’ ” Haasenritter said of the program’s self-styled motto.
Haasenritter is UH’s fourth 2020 commitment. Earlier, offensive lineman Jake Tuatagaloa of Mililani High, outside linebacker Ezra Evaimalo of Kamehameha, and Campbell High wideout Tanatoa Mokiao-Atimalala pledged to sign with the Warriors.
