Running back Kealoha Pilares, who was The Advertiser's Offensive Player of the Year as a Damien Memorial School senior last year, is joining the University of Hawai'i football team.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity," Pilares said. "I know this is the right thing for me to do."

Pilares has been promised a scholarship, although it has not been finalized whether he will join the Warriors for the start of training camp this week or in January 2007.

Last January, Pilares made a verbal commitment to attend the Air Force Academy. Like most recent high school graduates, Pilares opted to attend Air Force's prep school for a year before joining the Falcons' varsity team in 2007. The prep school competes against junior colleges.

Soon after reporting to Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 10, Pilares realized the program "wasn't for me."

"Most people go there to play football and attend school," he added. "They don't understand the military life comes along with that. I knew I wouldn't have trouble with the physical part, but I just wasn't happy there."

Pilares informed school officials of his decision to leave, but the request was not granted until a few days ago. He returned to Honolulu Friday night.

Pilares said he called UH assistant coach Rich Miano to inquire about an opening on the Warriors' roster. Miano is co-founder of the Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics that Pilares had attended regularly. Pilares also spoke with Eddie Klaneski, a Damien assistant coach and former UH safety.

"He worked it out for me," Pilares said.

Because the Air Force Academy does not require letters of intent, and the withdrawal was granted before the fall semester, Pilares does not have to sit out a season before playing for UH. Pilares is expected to compete at wideout as a freshman, with the option of moving to running back after that.

"I'll do whatever I can to help the team," he said.

Pilares, who is 5 feet 11, said he lost eight pounds while at the prep school. He now weighs a little less than 180.

Last year, Pilares led the state with 1,741 rushing yards and 146 points. Against Iolani, he rushed 48 times for 300 yards and five touchdowns.

In track and field, he repeated as state triple-jump champion, and placed fifth in the long jump.

His cumulative grade-point average was 3.9, and he served as senior class president, yearbook editor and student activities coordinator.

He was selected to the Nissan Hall of Honor.

"I'm happy with the way things turned out," Pilares said. "I get to play in front of my family, and represent where I came from."

He said his mother wanted him to remain at the academy, but "she's happy I'm home. She said the main thing is I'm happy, and I wasn't happy there."

FREE SOCCER CLINIC

Former and current University of Hawai'i players will be featured speakers at a free soccer clinic today at Konawaena High School.

Sessions are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for ages 7 to 12, and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 13 and older.

Call Billy Kenoi at (808) 961-8508 for details.

FINAL SPEED CLINIC

The final Hawai'i Speed and Quickness Clinic of the year is today at the UH athletic complex.

Sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for ages 7 to 12, and 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 13 and older.

The $10 entry fee includes fast-food coupons.

Call 739-5444 or log on to: hawaiispeedandquickness.com for information.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.