This is one of the busiest weeks of the year for Carlton Ching, a graduate and former football player at Kaimuki High and Boise State, for whom there is seemingly no end to the line of friends ready to lay down a beer on the outcome of the annual Hawai'i-Boise State game.

Of course, with the way things have gone the last four years, Ching, a Honolulu residential developer, has received a whole lot of free beer.

That has gotten Ching and some of his fellow Bronco alums thinking that it is time this series moves beyond small, friendly wagers. That it step up to something resembling rivalry status that recognizes the long ties between football in this state and Boise State.

What this series cries out for and, indeed, what it needs is a trophy, an axe, bucket, bowl or some other unwieldy symbol of rivalry between the teams. Something for victors Saturday night at Aloha Stadium to raise over their heads and claim in triumph and for the vanquished to challenge themselves to regain the next year.

Once upon a time, in long-gone Western Athletic Conference days, UH had the beginning of such trappings of rivalry: the Paniolo Trophy with Wyoming. The Gen. Kuter Trophy with the Air Force Academy.

In the new WAC, where there is even a greater need to build bonds, this would be a good place to start. Likewise with Fresno State and San Jose State. Now that Boise State coaches are back here recruiting again, there is even more to fuel a rivalry.

Since UH and Boise State figure to be seeing a lot of each other these next few years and there is a little-known but not insignificant football pipeline between this state and the Broncos, what better way to recognize it?

Boise has had a remarkable rise from junior college to nationally ranked I-A team. At most steps along the way, from a national junior college champion and contender in the 1950s, on through a Division II power in the 1960s and '70s and as a I-AA national titleist in the 1980s, Hawai'i players have been part of the foundation. Sometimes by the boat load. Usually on a leap of faith, recruited by former Islanders or word of mouth.

Kamehameha's David Hughes and Moloka'i's Kimo Von Oelhoffen went to the NFL from Boise. Dozens of other have figured in the Big Sky and Big West titles. Former Mililani High coach John Kauinana is among several who have gone into coaching.

"We'd like to think we had some small part in helping the program (grow)," said Ching, a former offensive lineman (1973-74). "And it is great that Boise and Hawai'i are finally able to play each other."

It would be even better if there was something riding on it every year. Trophy, bowl, call it what you like, but something to call it a series of significance.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.