Boise State Broncos Sift for Dutch Gold and Find It

This past season (2008) 6'3", 197-pound freshman Cedric Febis played cornerback in a reserve role for the Broncos. Next season Febis should note more playing time and express more learned aggression at his position.

Football is not the game of choice in Amsterdam—Febis’ homeland. In Holland the main sport is soccer, so these purebred Dutch athletes, if fortunate enough, come to the states, play football or track, and do it flat awesomely.

Febis' high school success earned him a spot with BSU, a division 1-A college, and opened up a plan to bring more potential football players from the Netherlands to Boise, Idaho.

One of those was Gerardo Hiwat, a wide receiver who committed to BSU in August.  Hiwat said, "It was dream for me to play football in America. It's a big dream and big opportunity. I'm really excited."

Capital High School coach Todd Simis said regarding Hiwat, “He’s only really played five American football games. I just think the upside is tremendous.”

In only five games this 2008 season, Hiwat had 26 receptions totaling 297 yards and four TDs. Hiwat is also elusive running, as he scampered once for 54 yards and a TD. On special teams he had five kickoff returns for 223 yards and returned two punts for 63 yards and a TD.

If Hiwat stays healthy this young man may set a few BSU receiver records before he graduates.

Hiwat is not the only chunk of gold from Amsterdam. His friend in the Netherlands and here in Boise, Tjong-A-Tjoe, will be making his official visit to BSU in order to see if Boise State is the perfect fit for him.

Boise High’s defensive tackle Tjong-A-Tjoe had 15 tackles in his first three games, and when his senior season was all over he was named 5A All-Idaho first team defense with 35 tackles, which included nine for loss with two sacks, and four fumbles (two he recovered).

The 6'4", 295-pound DT Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe will be at BSU on Jan. 23 for his final official visit.

This young man has had two official visits from Pac 10 schools prior to this date and he seems to be drawn to family atmospheres and coaches that are honest.

Well, once he gets his official visit with Coach Pete and the players it just may be that he will find all the family he ever dreamed of.

Could it be a Febis, Tjong-A-Tjoe, Hiwat, Netherlands connection at BSU? There is no sign of fools gold here. Ricky and Hiwat are for real. Febis will be almost as happy as Boise State fans to have them aboard.