OU football's Dillon Gabriel plans to help Maui wildfire victims, continue aid to Hawaii
NORMAN — As OU kicks off its season on Saturday against Arkansas State, football won't be the only thing on quarterback Dillon Gabriel's mind.
The Mililani, Hawaii, native's thoughts will be with those affected by the Maui wildfires, which began on Aug. 7. There have been 115 confirmed deaths as of Monday, making it the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history.
“It's just super sad," Gabriel said on Monday. "I have some family over there and friends that I knew from a young age, losing their house and their business. But it’s a sad deal, and it’s tough knowing people like that, the people going through it. Praying for them."
Gabriel's hometown of Mililani is located near the center of the island of Oʻahu. It's located about 100 miles northwest of Maui.
Gabriel emerged as a star quarterback while at Mililani High, setting the Hawaii high school record for career passing yards (9,948) and earning 2018 Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year honors.
Gabriel lived in Hawaii until 2019 when he moved to Florida to begin his college football career at UCF.
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"Hawaii is a special place and very strong," Gabriel said. "I’m proud to be from there. I'm just praying for them, and I hope everyone does the same. Just show as much love as they can.”
Gabriel has shown love for his home state throughout his time at OU, frequently wearing leis during OU's Walk of Champions before games last season. The floral wreath is a symbol of love, friendship and honor in Hawaiian culture.
Gabriel also helped kickstart a five-year partnership with BSN Sports to supply Mililani High with Nike athletic gear for its women's soccer, women's volleyball and men's basketball teams.
And as Maui's community heals in the aftermath of the wildfires, Gabriel plans to give back once again.
“I love Hawaii, and I know the tight-knit family and just the people there and what they’re about," Gabriel said. "So I would love to (help). And it’s definitely something I’m going to do in the future.”
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football's Dillon Gabriel plans to help Maui wildfire victims
