This week 64 athletes from around the state are in town preparing for Saturday’s 2007 East-West All-Star Football Game. It features many of the most talented, highly recruited players from the 3A and 4A classifications. Here’s a closer look at one of the stars.
Name: Isaiah Aimalefoa, West
School: Mountlake Terrace High School
Size and position: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, defensive tackle
College plans: College of the Siskiyous (Weed, Calif.). Plans to transfer to the University of Washington after one year. Was recruited by the UW but said he needs to work on his academics. His older brother, Chance Aimalefoa, is a Siskiyous football recruit, too.
How does it feel to be a part of the East-West game? “This is gonna be fun. I appreciate the (coaches who nominated him) noticing me. I think I’ll do just fine.”
Favorite pro athlete: Strong safety Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aimalefoa, who like Polamalu has Samoan roots, admires Polamalu (5-10, 212 pounds) because “he’s so fast, quick, and he’s big, too. He hits hard. He’s everywhere.”
Favorite sports movie: “Gridiron Gang” (2006) starring The Rock. It’s about teens from juvenile detention center who learn about football and life from their counselor/coach, portrayed by The Rock.
Non-sports hobby: Cooking. Plans to study culinary arts in college. His specialty: enchiladas.
Nickname: I.Z.
Favorite musicians/performers: Rappers Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, and singers John Legend and Robin Thicke.
Life philosophy: “The price of greatness is responsibility.” Heard the quote, attributed to former British politician Winston Churchill, in freshman English class and said he applies it in all areas of life. Even posted it on his MySpace profile.
What is your greatest achievement? Twice receiving All-Wesco South First Team recognition.
Non-sports dream job: Starting a sports-related clothing line.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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