By Kristen Koester-Smith, Idaho Athletics Media Relations
If you ever meet Aaron Lavarias, you'll immediately feel comfortable around him. He's got a killer smile and a laid-back attitude that could make anyone want to be his friend. He'd probably make a witty comment or go off on some tangent that'd make you laugh, just because that's who he is. Yes, if you meet Aaron Lavaias you'll really like him ... unless you happen to be an offensive player on the opposing team on the football field.
Leading the University of Idaho football team and finding his way among the NCAA leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, Lavarias isn't a force to be underestimated in a football game. The good thing for Idaho fans is there's always a little bit of entertainment after Lavarias' sacks as well.
"Whenever he gets his sacks he does his little celebration, we all just laugh at that," said Lavarias' teammate, Jonah Sataraka, when asked what his favorite aspect of playing with Lavarias was.
Coach Robb Akey agreed with Sataraka.
"When he has success and he does his little wound-up deal after he makes a good play, that's fun, because that's a guy that all the hard work has paid off for," Akey said.
Lavarias has had a lot of success during his time at Idaho. A few weeks ago he was chosen the WAC player of the week for his performance in Idaho's dominating victory over UNLV. Akey expressed excitement for Lavarias at being acknowledged by the conference.
"I'm very proud for him, excited for him. It was very deserved in the way he played and the way he works," Akey said.
Lavarias also was recognized in 2009 as the University of Idaho's Defensive Player of the Year and was a second team all-WAC choice. Lavarias said it was particularly satisfying because he had moved from defensive tackle to defensive end that year. He trained really hard in the off season to make sure he could handle the switch to a position that was more responsible for making plays.
"It made me feel really good that people thought I played well enough to earn that award, and it just showed that all my hard work paid off," Lavarias said.
When asked about his statistical success, Lavarias downplayed the importance of the numbers.
"It's not that I was the best, it was just that all my teammates around me were playing really well.... It's a good feeling to get stats, but I'm most concerned with wins," Lavarias said.
Akey stated that he believed Lavarias' biggest strengths are his competitiveness and the motivation with which he plays. He said the first thing he noticed about Lavarias was his hardworking attitude. Lavarias made such an impression he was able to play as defensive tackle.
"We were having him play in the interior of the defensive line, and he really wasn't big enough to do it, but he was such a fighter and a worker we felt like he was one of those guys we could put in there and get away with it," Akey said.
Sataraka, who first started on the defensive line with Lavarias, said he's seen everything about Lavarias' game improve over the years. He said it has been especially apparent this year after Lavarias' WAC defensive player of the week recognition. Sataraka enjoys playing with Lavarias because of the personality he brings to the team.
"He brings his tenacity and aggressive attitude. He tries to raise everybody's level of play up," Sataraka said.
Before all of his success at Idaho, Lavarias didn't think he would even have the chance to play college ball. He played for Woodinville (Wash.) High School for four years, but he said he didn't really see himself being a good enough player to compete at the college level. His parents told him there was a possibility of him playing after high school, but they encouraged him to focus on school. Lavarias was first noticed by the Idaho coaching staff at a high school football camp at Central Washington University.
Lavarias said he chose to come to Idaho because he liked the atmosphere, the players were friendly, and he thought the program was going in the right direction. Four years later, these are the things Lavarias has enjoyed the most about being here.
"What I've enjoyed the most was the friends I've made on the team and the fact we've been able to turn the program around," Lavarias said.
Lavarias' parents have been Lavarias' biggest fans over the years. They have season tickets and try to make it to all home games. Lavarias said he feels really blessed to be able to play with his parents in the crowd.
"You always want to play harder when you know your parents are in the stands," Lavarias said.
Lavarias' parents always are thrilled when he gets awards, but he said they are more concerned with him getting a good education.
Lavarias is working on his master's degree in accounting, which keeps him busy in his time off the football field. If he finds any free time he said he'll either be watching a movie or playing some video games.
When asked what he is most excited for after college, Lavarias revealed he is looking forward to getting married and having a family. He really just wants to get a good career and to settle down.
For now, Lavarias is focusing on football and finishing school. He said the only thing he can think about right now is playing hard as a Vandal. He said down the road if he was presented with the opportunity to play after college, he would take it.
When Akey was asked if he could see Lavarias playing after college he said, "If he keeps playing and getting people attention there could be a chance for that."
Lavarias attributes his success in football to his love of the game.
"This isn't the kind of game you can play your entire life...you can't just pick a game up at the gym. That's what drives me...I love this game and I just want to get everything I can out of it," Lavarias said.
