Federal Way football stars part ways

FEDERAL WAY — They once dreamed of playing college football side by side.

Instead, Andru Pulu and Andre Barrington are headed to opposite corners of the state, certain to be entrenched in one of Washington's most intense rivalries.

The two Federal Way High School linebackers exchanged giant grins and gentle jabs Wednesday as they signed duplicates of their letters of intent, Pulu with Washington and Barrington with Washington State, in front of a festive crowd in the school's cafeteria.

"We're tremendously proud of you guys," Federal Way coach John Meagher said during his introductory speech, noting both will be great ambassadors for the school beyond football.

Both players were flanked by their parents, with the fathers each sporting appropriate school attire — Logo Pulu with a UW cap and Andre Barrington Sr. in a long-sleeved crimson pullover with "WSU" on the collar.

Official letters had been signed and faxed earlier that morning, the first day high-school seniors could sign letters of intent for football. The ceremony was for family, friends, students and faculty members — including some former Huskies and Cougars wearing T-shirts or sweatshirts of their own. It started just before 11 a.m., allowing many of the 600 students who have first lunch to watch and cheer.

When more family members were invited onto the stage for photo opportunities, the Pulu clan far outnumbered the Barringtons.

In addition to his father and mother, Brenda, Andre was joined by younger sister Brittany, a sophomore star on the eighth-ranked Federal Way girls basketball team. In addition to Logo and Ana Pulu, Andru was surrounded by 15 aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins. Andru said that family was a big factor in his decision to sign with Washington.

"I just wanted to stay close to family, that's the big thing," he said.

Ana and her sister Rasela shed tears after leaving the stage, sharing thoughts of their late mother, Lima Tagoai, who was one of Andru's biggest fans.

"He's the first kid from both sides of the family to go to college," Ana said.

Pulu and Barrington both played football for the Federal Way Hawks as grade schoolers, although they were on different teams due to their sizes.

They played for opposing middle schools, then joined forces at Federal Way and thought they might stay teammates through college.

"It ended up not working out like we had planned," Barrington said.

Barrington was the first to commit, picking WSU just before Federal Way began its high-school season.

"I went there [to visit] and it seemed like a very good environment, someplace where I could see myself," he said.

Pulu and Barrington see brighter days ahead for the two college programs that struggled so mightily last season, and they are eager to be part of a renaissance. They laugh about future Apple Cup showdowns, vowing to remain friends through certain goading.

"We're both goofy guys, so we can handle that," Barrington said. "We'll be serious on the field, then back to fun and games afterward — depending on how he feels after a loss."

Sandy Ringer: 206-718-1512 or sringer@seattletimes.com