2010 ESPN Academic All-America Teams

TOWSON, Md. – University of Hawai'i slot receiver Kealoha Pilares earned a spot on the ESPN Academic All-America first team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).  Pilares is just the eighth Warrior in program history to earn Academic All-America honors and just the third to be named first team.

 

Pilares, a kinesiology and recreation science major, currently ranks sixth nationally in receiving yards per game (109.9) and ninth in receptions per game (7.3). He is also among the national leaders in touchdown receptions with 13.

 

The senior from Wahiawa, O'ahu is having a breakout year with five 100-yard receiving games and four multiple touchdown games. Earlier this season, he broke the school's single-game record with 18 catches for a career-high 217 yards in a win over Louisiana Tech. He has recorded a touchdown in eight of 10 games this season to help the Warriors post an 8-3 overall record and 6-1 mark in the Western Athletic Conference.

 

The last player to earn Academic All-America honors was defensive back Chris Shinnick, who earned first-team accolades from CoSIDA in 1997. Travis Sims also earned first-team recognition from the College Football Association (CFA) in 1992.

 

Pilares and senior safety Mana Silva were named to the all-District VIII team earlier this season, putting them in contention for All-America honors. To be eligible for the honor, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) at his current institution and have reached sophomore athletic eligibility.