Coach Timmy Chang and the Warriors are ‘dialed in’ for Bowl
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Neither dark clouds nor flash-flood alerts could dampen the University of Hawaii football team’s collective enthusiasm on Friday.
“We’re just getting dialed in, ” said coach Timmy Chang, whose Rainbow Warriors checked into a Waikiki hotel in advance of Wednesday’s Sheraton Hawaii Bowl at the Ching Complex. Cal—led by interim head coach Nick Rolovich, a former UH quarterback and head coach—was set to arrive on Friday night.
“I’m pretty excited for the team to experience (bowl festivities ), ” Chang said. “We get to enjoy and hang out. Our families get to come. What a great time. … Every day that goes by is one less day this group gets to spend together. It’s a special group of guys. You want to enjoy the moment. And they want to enjoy the moment.”
The Rainbow Warriors will be playing in their 10th Hawaii Bowl—they withdrew from the 2021 game because of COVID-19 issues—and first under Chang. After three sub-.500 seasons, Chang directed his alma mater to an 8-4 regular season—5-3 in the Mountain West—to qualify for the 24-year-old bowl.
It has been a busy week for the Warriors. Japan-reared kicker Kansei Matsuzawa was declared the UH football program’s first consensus All-American after being named to the first team on three of the five lists recognized by the NCAA. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi declared this past Thursday as “Kansei Matsuzawa Day, ” an honor that came with an official decree.
The Warriors also had to juggle practices, meetings, weight-training sessions and final exams.
Because of UH’s commencement ceremony, today’s practice will be moved to Roosevelt High School. A prominent Rough Riders alumnus has the option of being excused from practice. Defensive end Jackie Johnson III will graduate today. Also graduating are : slotback Nick Cenacle ; running backs David Cordero and Christian Vaughn ; linebacker Wynden Ho ‘ohuli ; D-end Tariq Jones ; safeties Peter Manuma and Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen, and Matsuzawa.
“We’ve got guys who will be the first college graduates in their family, ” Chang said. “It’s special. We’re not just playing football, we’re recruiting great men. These are our leaders in the communities. They’re going to be special in the things they do and the people they affect because of the experiences they’ve had here working together, enduring and learning how to succeed.”
The Warriors had limited the participation of some first-year players this season. A player can qualify for a one-time redshirt if he does not play in more than four regular-season games. The limit does not apply to the postseason. Receiver Titan Lacaden and quarterback Luke Weaver are among potential redshirts eligible to play in the Hawaii Bowl while retaining a redshirt year and freezing their eligibility clock. Weaver, who played in four games, is 2-0 as a starter.
“Everybody has a chance, ” Chang said. “It doesn’t count against eligibility. A lot of these guys, where we see opportunity and they can add value, they’ll get out there and play.”
With bowl games come swag. Here’s a partial list of what each Warrior will receive :—Oakley backpack—Oakley sunglasses—Bowl-customized JBL headsets—Sheraton Hawaii Bowl beach towel—Custom board shorts—Aloha shirt from Reyn Spooner—$50 credit card—Long-sleeve T-shirt—Short-sleeve T-shirt—Pair of shoes—Travel suit—Per diem
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