Feb. 18, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Mike Fuaau, a senior fullback/linebacker at Tacoma's Washington High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play football at Western Washington University, coach Rob Smith announced today.

That brings the Vikings' total of high school signees to nine.

Last fall, Fuaau was a second-team WashingtonPreps.com all-State and first-team Tacoma News Tribune all-Area pick, and was named Defensive MVP of the Seamount League Pierce Division.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Fuaau was credited with 158 tackles, five quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on defense. On offense, he ran 148 times for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Vikings, who were 6-4 last season, return 35 letter winners, including 14 starters.

MIKE FUAAU (pronounced fwow)Linebacker/FullbackFreshman, 5-11, 215, 18, 6/15/86Tacoma, WA

HIGH SCHOOL: Second-team WashingtonPreps.com all-State and first-team Tacoma News Tribune All-Area pick, and defensive MVP of Seamount League Pierce Division as senior at Washington High School ... First-team all-league choice both ways ... Selected to play in East-West all-star game ... Credited with 158 tackles (led team three straight seasons), 5 quarterback sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery ... As fullback on offense, ran 148 times for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns ... Captain's Award winner and Patriots' MVP on offense and defense (third straight year) ... First-team all-league as junior ... Credited with 142 tackles ... Had 136 stops as sophomore ... Team captain three years ... Started and lettered three years ... Also earned two years in track. PERSONAL: Plans to take program in pre-law ... His brother, Yuteson, plays football at Ottawa University (Kan.).