FOOTBALL 2001

Steve Bloom/The Olympian
Otani Tovia fought through a knee injury during his sophomore year and a broken leg last year to return as a key component of Elma's front lines on offense and defense.

Finally healthy, Eagles prepared to take flight

Determination sparks Tovia to fight injuries

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

ELMA -- Otani Tovia doesn't think he's unlucky.

The results say otherwise.

The 5-foot-9, 250-pound senior was slated to be a key part of Elma's offensive line over the past two seasons. Unfortunately, he hardly made a dent.

During his sophomore season, Tovia tore up his knee after the Eagles' first game, erasing his entire year.

After working his way through that injury and preparing for his junior campaign, Tovia broke a femur right before the Eagles started fall practice. He returned for the tail end of the season, but was hardly at full strength.

This year, Tovia is finally ready to make his mark for Elma.

Injury-free for the first time in nearly two years, Tovia is back in his natural position on the Eagles' line and ready to get back on the field.

"I feel great," he said. "It's been a long time."

Tovia never wavered from his goal of getting back to 100 percent, despite going through some frustrating times during his rehabilitation.

"It happens to everyone that's in that situation," he said. "The aches and pains were the low point. But I got a lot of support from everyone."

Tovia wasn't alone, as the Eagles have been racked with major injuries over the past two seasons that have limited their effectiveness.

Seniors Kolby Lyle, Eric Sutten and Jamie Rakevich are all bouncing back from injuries as well.

"It's really special to get these guys back for their senior seasons," Elma coach Jim Hill said.

If nothing, the Eagles have learned the power of resiliency.

Despite the injury bug, they advanced to the playoffs once again. And with a staggering 17 starters returning from that squad, the Eagles have to be considered one of the favorites in the Southwest 2A League.

"I think it is one of our strengths," Hill said. "But it can also be a weakness. They may think they're better than they are. So we're trying to make sure they take it step-by-step."

As usual, the Eagles will have a high-octane offense, led by the strong arm of quarterback Danny Hill. But this year, Elma will try to balance the passing attack with the strong running of senior Todd Basler.

"We're probably looking at a 50-50 split," Jim Hill said. "But if we struggle running, we'll just pass it more."

Danny Hill said he doesn't mind if his numbers drop at the expense of gaining a few more wins.

"Hey, I need a break," he said. "I'll let my friend run."

This puts the onus on Basler to come through on the ground, which he readily accepts.

"I feel good about getting the chance to run," he said. "I have lots of confidence."

The Eagles' defense returns lots of familiar faces, including Sutten and Rakevich, but Hill hopes that they develop an aggressive nature.

"We've got experience, but they just need to get more ornery," Hill said.

That shouldn't be a problem, especially for Tovia, who has two seasons worth of frustrations to unleash on unsuspecting opponents.

"It feels great to be back," he said. "It's going to be real special to be back on the field."

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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Elma Eagles

-COACH: Jim Hill (7th year).

-2000 RECORD: 8-3.

-RETURNING STARTERS: 9/8.

-OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE SET: Multiple; 5-2.

-KEY RETURNERS: Eric Sutten, OL/DL, sr., 6-3, 230; Otani Tovia, OL/DL, sr., 5-9, 250; Spencer Richards, OL/DL, jr., 6-2, 250; Todd Basler, RB/LB, jr., 6-1, 210, Danny Hill, QB, jr., 5-11, 175; Kolby Lyle, OL/LB, sr., 6-0, 210; Justin Zepp, WR/DB, jr., 5-11, 165; Noah Hendricks, WR/DB, sr., 5-11, 165.

-STRENGTHS: With 17 returning starters -- including skill players Hill, Basler and Hendricks -- from a playoff team, the Eagles know what it takes to win.

-WEAKNESSES: Getting the many players who have missed time with injury at full strength and on the same page with their teammates.

-WHAT TO EXPECT: The Eagles are a perennial playoff power, and with such a large group of talent returning, a deep trip into the postseason is not out of the question.

Schedule

Fri., Sept. 7 at Yelm* -- 7

Fri., Sept. 14 PRAIRIE

Sat., Sept. 22 LYN. CHRISTIAN -- 4

Fri., Sept. 28 at Rochester

Fri., Oct. 5 at Tenino

Fri., Oct. 12 FORKS

Fri., Oct. 19 HOQUIAM

Fri., Oct. 26 at Montesano

Fri., Nov. 2 League Playoff

*non-league

Home games in CAPITALS.

All games at 7:30 p.m.