Until his junior year, Gareth Warren had never played a single down for Kealakehe High School. After transferring from Konawaena at the end of his sophomore year, Warren was out to prove himself to his new teammates on the gridiron.
“I felt that I had to work extra hard to prove that I deserve to be out on the field,” said Warren.
Fast-forward almost a year later, and his work is paying dividends as the scholarship offers are starting to roll in for the Waveriders’ starting center. The junior received his first offer to play college football on April 9 from Central Washington University.
“I was excited and speechless at the same time,” said Warren. “Coach (Chris) Fisk called and asked how I was doing. We talked a little bit, then he said that he had a meeting with his assistant coaches, and they agreed to officially offer me.”
The Wildcats of Central Washington already have competition; just yesterday, a second offer was extended to Warren from Eastern New Mexico University. Both Central Washington and Eastern New Mexico are NCAA Division II universities and are just two of more than a dozen schools showing interest in the 6-foot 5-inch, 265-pound lineman.
“(It’s) very satisfying,” Warren said of receiving the scholarship offers. “It’s a great feeling to see your hard work starting to pay off. It doesn’t stop here; it only motivates me to work even harder.”
After being named an honorable mention All-BIIF selection in 2019, Warren is keeping busy as his senior season approaches. With school facilities closed, he’s been creative in his workouts at home to keep in shape for the 2020 season.
“Most of the college coaches that I have spoken to are excited that I’m finding a way to stay busy and work out during this time,” Warren added. “I’m just trying to make the best of this situation and pray that everything gets back to the way they were.”
Even as he deals with social distancing, Warren was quick to acknowledge all the help he’s received around the community —from his family, coaches, teachers and teammates — to get him in a position to continue his football career after high school.
“I’ve always heard that saying, ‘It takes a village.’ I’m starting to truly understand the meaning of that,” said Warren. “I wouldn’t be where I am today with out the support of the community.”