[Game stats]
MONMOUTH, Ore. - The 2009 football season may be over for the Western Oregon University football team but there are still Wolves out there catching touchdowns. Shaun Kauleinamoku recently represented WOU at the East Coast Bowl in Petersburg, Va., and helped lead the North to a win over the South, 27-21.
He hauled in a 32-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter to break a 7-7 tie, and give the North the lead, which it would never relinquish. This was one of his two catches for 53 yards, while playing the slot receiver.
"They (the South) came out in a cover 2 but rolled to a cover 1 with a roving safety right before the snap," said Kauleinamoku explaining his touchdown catch. "On the play I was on a go-route with a middle read. I saw the safety playing the middle of the field, so I moved right past him, straight up the hole and the quarterback found me wide open in the back of the endzone."
Kauleinamoku would also get a chance to show his punt return skills, as he returned two punts for over 30 yards, with a long of 21. However, the experience of the East Coast Bowl for Kauleinamoku goes beyond just the time on the field.
"Meeting people, putting the name of Western Oregon out there, and getting a first-hand experience doing the combine in front of the scouts was the best part of this opportunity," Kauleinamoku said. "From the moment we got there, the players were told 'this is a job interview.' We were expected to be on time and know what we are doing, so we could show these scouts from the NFL, CFL and Arena Leagues that they can count on you.
"It was an entire five-day experience," continued Shaun K with a smile. "Things were scheduled from breakfast till bedtime. I have never filled out more paperwork than I did that first night for the NFL. The staff did a great job and took care of us; it was a great opportunity."
Despite looking to be recognized as an individual, Kauleinamoku knew this was just as important for the Western Oregon football program. "I wanted to show off Western Oregon and get our name out there to show we can play too," said Kauleinamoku. "I wore my WOU gear during the whole combine so scouts and others around the country could recognize Western Oregon University."
The 2009 East Coast Bowl was played on Nov. 28th and featured 74 of the best Division I-FCS, II, III and NAIA players from a variety of states. This was the eighth year of the bowl. All revenue generated from this event is used to award a high school student who will attend a Division I-FCS, II, III or NAIA college with financial assistance.