SAN JOSE, Calif. — Oh, what some opposing coaches probably wouldn't give for a bird's eye view of two seasons of University of Hawai'i football games.

Think what it might mean just to be able to take in a whole bunch of the Warriors' practices, not just a measly spring practice or two the way Fresno State's Pat Hill did when his son was checking out colleges.

Grid espionage?

Not the way San Jose State's Dick Tomey did it. It is called being a television analyst, which is what Tomey was for two seasons (2001 and 2002) when he sat next to Jim Leahey in the KFVE booth.

But Tomey downplays any edge that observing the innerworkings of the UH operation might have given him.

"It just makes me know that they've seen every defense and they've seen every scheme," Tomey said. "They've seen everything and know how to adjust. There are no easy answers when you are playing them because they are too-well coached and too disciplined in what they do."

In his years as a fan and commentator, Tomey said, "I've seen them adjust to everything, and there's nothing that we can do that they haven't seen. So it becomes a game of execution, and that's what football really is now. There's not going to be any surprises."

Beside, Tomey joked, "I was probably just trying to keep from getting chewed out by Leahey and probably didn't have time to think about those things."

ALUMNI TO PARTY ON

UH alumni association officials say they expect "between 1,000 and 2,000" alumni and transplanted islanders to attend a pregame Hawai'i tailgate party around Spartan Stadium today.

Kevin Takamori, alumni director, said the event is a joint production of the alumni association and the Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce of Northern California.

Takamori said the tailgate had to be moved from another location because of its growing size.

The party will feature live Hawaiian music, food and booths, and is the main event of a three-day program.

UH coach June Jones and athletic director Herman Frazier were scheduled to speak at a $10-per-person pep rally for 100-200 people last night.

A "beach party" will be held following the game at an area restaurant.

UH alumni and HCCNC officials annually hold a tailgate and other events surrounding a UH game on the West Coast every season. Last year's event was at Fresno, Calif.

HULA BOWL INVITES THREE

Strong safety Lono Manners, defensive lineman Melila Purcell and offensive guard Brandon Eaton have been given invitations to play in the Hula Bowl, officials said.

Spokesman Todd Bell said, "they are among our first wave of invitees, and I don't expect they will be the only ones from the U. of H."

Bell said Eaton has already accepted and the game is awaiting the response of the others.

Because Purcell is petitioning the NCAA for an additional year of eligibility, UH is asking if linebacker Tanuvasa Moe might replace him.

The Hula Bowl is scheduled to be played in Jan. 21 at Aloha Stadium.

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