Dickson earns all-WAC honors

By Fred Guzman
MauiNow.com

Former Baldwin High standout Jojo Dickson would have liked to play for the University of Hawaii, but didn’t get an offer from UH until he had committed to Idaho.

Hawaii’s loss has turned out to be Idaho’s gain. Dickson earned second-team all-WAC honors after registering 73 tackles and two interceptions as a linebacker for the Vandals during the past football season.

Idaho, a traditional WAC doormat, posted a 7-5 mark to earn a berth in the Humanitarian Bowl against Bowling Green.

UH center John Estes, receiver Greg Salas and linebacker Blaze Soares were named to the first-team, with offensive tackle Aaron Kia selected to the second squad.

UFC: BJ Penn of Hilo will defend his UFC lightweight world title against Diego Sanchez of New Mexico on Saturday in Memphis. The bout will be the main event of the UFC 107 mixed martial arts card at the FedEx Forum. Penn is 14-5-1, including 11-1-1 as a lightweight (155 pounds) fighter. His only loss as a lightweight came in 2002. Sanchez is 21-2. He was once a welterweight title contender, but dropped to the lightweight division this year. The bout will be aired on PPV at a price of $46.99.

GOLF: Tadd Fujikawa has been granted a sponsor’s exemption to play in the 2010 Sony Open. The tournament will be held Jan. 11 to 17 at Waialae Country Club with the 72-hole tournament teeing off Jan. 14 to 17. Fujikawa, who turns 19 on Jan. 8, made golf history in the 2007 Sony Open in Hawai’i when he became the youngest amateur in nearly 50 years to make the cut in a PGA Tour event. He vaulted as high as eighth before finishing in a tie for 20th. Months later, Fujikawa turned pro. In 2009, Fujikawa again captivated the state when he shot an 8-under 62 – tying a course record – in the third round. He eventually finished in a tie for 32nd place.