Poly is used as a prefix that means more than one or many. In the case of Ikaika Woolsey (pronounced E-kai-ka), the word can describe him in two ways. His Salesian High Pride teammates call him "Poly Boy" because of his Polynesian roots (Oahu). As the starting quarterback for the Pride, he is a "Poly-Threat" with his arm, legs, and leadership.
Woolsey has been the varsity starter since his sophomore year and was able to guide the Pride in the Bay Football League to a 10-2 record where their season ended with a 41-28 loss to Fort Bragg in the NCS playoffs. His passing stats were 1,826 yards, 18 TDs, and 6 INTs, which earned him First Team All-League. Going into his senior year, he wants to break the passing yards and TD records at Salesian and to be the best leader for his team. His team goals are to bring back an NCS Championship to the Pride. Salesian Coach Chad Nightingale says, "Ikaika's strengths are his leadership, arm strength, accuracy, and pocket presence. On the field, he is very competitive and tough. Ikaika's leadership brings out the best in the athletes he is playing with on the field."
At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Woolsey only started playing organized football since his freshman year. Despite the late start, this Pride can run 4.80 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.40 seconds, can bench press 235 pounds, squat 335 pounds, and has a vertical of 30 inches. He considers his best football skills to be accuracy and arm strength as he can throw 70 yards. He compares himself to former Purdue star Drew Brees because he is about 6-foot tall, strives to be a leader like Brees, has a very accurate, strong arm, and has the footwork to throw on the run.
Salesian's offense is similar to the west coast offense. Hence, Woolsey is more of a pro style quarterback that stays in the pocket and reads the defense. To improve his skills, he has attended summer camps including Elite 11, FBU, Fresno State, Nike Training Camp at Stanford, NUC Ultimate 100 West (MVP), NUC Top Prospect Camp in Oklahoma, San Jose State, San Diego State, UC Davis, and University of San Diego. During his down time, he works on his footwork and also practices on reading different coverage.
Several colleges have shown interest in this signal caller. Fresno State, Idaho, San Jose State, UC Davis, San Diego, Washington, and Washington State are in contact with San Diego and UC Davis showing the most interest. Woolsey visited Fresno State and San Diego during his camp sessions and current favorites are San Jose State and USD as he likes the coaching staff and the location of the two schools. Coach Nightingale says, "I think Ikaika has a bright future at the quarterback position at whatever university he decides to attend. Furthermore, because Ikaika has a live arm, his transition into the next level should be pretty smooth."
This Pride wants to attend a school that has a reputable academic program. He prefers to be on the west coast to allow family to watch him play, but his decision will ultimately be based on the best football fit. From a playing style, he wants to play in a pro style west coast offense. Academically, Woolsey has a 3.10 GPA and will be taking the SAT during the Fall. He would like to major in Sports Medicine or Athletic Training.
Woolsey showcased his leadership last year when the Prides' starting running back, Anthony Shorter, got injured in the first game. Shorter was to be a big piece of the offense. So, Woolsey had to increase his leadership and offensive output.
Aside from playing football, he is also a second baseman on the baseball team. However, he believes that he will only play football on the next level. He also is an excellent cook. Expect Woolsey to provide some home cooking for the Pride in Richmond this year.
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