VALLEY ROUNDUP : Buena’s Keiaho Says He’ll Attend Washington

VENTURA —  George Keiaho of Buena High--the state’s second all-time leading rusher--has verbally committed to attend Washington, he said Monday night.

The 5-feet, 9-inch, 200-pound tailback returned Sunday from a recruiting trip to the Washington campus in Seattle. He also was being recruited by Arizona, Hawaii, USC and Washington State.

Washington--a perennial Pacific 10 Conference power--shared the national championship with Miami in 1991. The Huskies also won three consecutive Pac 10 titles (1990-92) to tie USC for the conference record.

The Huskies were 7-4 in 1993, their first of two seasons on probation for violation of NCAA rules. Washington is ineligible to participate in a bowl game until the 1995 season.

Keiaho, however, said his decision was not based solely on football.

“I like the school facilities and the people are cool,” Keiaho said. “There’s a real big support group for the players and there are a lot of tutors.

“Everything is available for you (academically).”

Keiaho as a four-year starter rushed for 6,585 yards and scored 81 touchdowns--80 of those rushing. He finished seventh in the state in rushing this season, gaining 2,248 yards with 30 touchdowns.

An all-state selection, Keiaho was named the Cal-Hi Sports player of the year as a freshman and sophomore. Buena Coach Rick Scott on Dec. 12 retired his jersey No. 35.