Warriors create 'special' blend
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
| |||
 |
|
||
|
|||
|
|
||
To be sure, the University of Hawai'i senior class of 2006 is unique.
It features three sixth-year players (running back Nate Ilaoa, wideout Ian Sample and free safety Leonard Peters).
One defensive end, Melila Purcell III, is from American Samoa. The other, Ikaika-Alama Francis, moved from the UH basketball team, where he was a 190-pound forward.
Sample, wideout Chad Mock, linebacker Chris Williams and safety Mike Malala are not on scholarship.
Alama-Francis, running back Reagan Mauia, defensive lineman Renolds Fruean, linebacker Bully Fergerstrom and punter Kurt Milne started their UH careers as walk-on players.
Fruean takes the bus every morning from the Leeward Coast. Peters and tackles Tala Esera and Dane Uperesa drive in from the North Shore.
And all of them could exit with the winningest season in the program's history.
"This senior class has been kind of special," head coach June Jones said. "They've taken real leadership off the field and on the field."
The most special might be team manager Marissa Bonilla, who is completing her fifth season.
"She's been great," Jones said. "She has been very reliable and accountable. She does what she's supposed to do. She's going to be a great teacher one day in the school system. And she's a good snapper."
Indeed, as one of her many roles, Bonilla snaps the football to the quarterbacks during three of the passing drills.
"She has probably hundreds of snaps a day," quarterback Colt Brennan said. "She's unbelievable with the football. She can throw the ball like 30 yards, tight spirals. She's got great hands. The receivers throw the balls in, and she catches them with one hand, then turns around and snaps it to us. I'm impressed with how well she does her job."
She also helps set up the equipment, times the drills and, on game days, braids the players' hair.
Bonilla lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball at Kaua'i High. She learned of the manager's job through former athletic director Hugh Yoshida.
"I told my mom that's the only reason that I would stay in Hawai'i, if I could work in sports," Bonilla recalled.
Bonilla, who will graduate when she completes her student teaching, said she treasures her time with the program.
"I'm going to miss all of the coaches," she said. "They're like second fathers to me. They've been nothing but nice to me for five years."
IKAIKA ALAMA-FRANCIS
Position: Defensive right end.
Hometown: Kane'ohe.
High school: Kalaheo.
Graduation day: May 2007 (sociology).
Fun fact: He knows every single line from the movie, "Predator."
Best UH football memory: "The friendships I've made. I can't say enough about the people I'm around every day. I'll remember some of the games, but I'll remember all of the friendships. They're such loving people. I'm blessed to be in a place like this."
ROSS DICKERSON
Position: Slotback.
Hometown: Waipahu.
High school: Saint Louis.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (political science).
Fun fact: He aspires to run for public office.
Best UH football memory: "This past game. It was the greatest game of my life, the way we came back and fought for each other. That's what a team is all about."
TALA ESERA
Position: Left tackle.
Hometown: Hau'ula.
High school: Kahuku.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (sociology).
Fun fact: "I can juggle three balls. And I can do a head stand."
Best UH football memory: "The best is yet to come."
VICTOR "BULLY" FERGERSTROM
Position: Linebacker.
Hometown: Kamuela.
High school: Hawai'i Prep.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (sociology).
Fun fact: "When I was a little kid, I had so much fat on my arms, it looked like I had muscles. That's how I got the nickname Bully."
Best UH football memory: "Probably the first game I played in the stadium. It started to rain. It was like home."
RENOLDS FRUEAN
Position: Defensive lineman.
Hometown: Kapolei.
Schools: Waipahu High, Washington State.
Graduation day: May 2007 (sociology).
Fun fact: Earned the nickname "GEICO" after defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said his long hair made him look like a caveman.
Best UH football memory: "The road trips and the games."
MARQUES KAONOHI
Position: Center.
Hometown: Waimanalo.
High school: Kailua.
Graduation day: May 2007 (communications).
Fun fact: He is a big-wave surfer.
Best UH football memory: "Being in camp with the boys."
NATE ILAOA
Position: Running back.
Hometown: Stafford, Va.
High school: North Stafford.
Graduation day: May 2007 (history).
Fun fact: As a military dependent, he once attended five elementary schools in one year.
Best UH football memory: "Just everything about football. Everything's been good."
KAHAI LACOUNT
Position: Nose tackle.
Hometown: Kailua.
High school: Kailua.
Graduation day: May 2007.
Fun fact: He trains pitbulls.
Best UH football memory: "There are a lot of good memories. But (the best are) hanging out with all of my friends, and laughing at all of the stupid things everybody does."
MICHAEL MALALA
Position: Strong safety.
Hometown: Honolulu.
Previous school: UH-Hilo.
Graduation day: May 2007 (psychology).
Fun fact: "I was raised in Washington."
Best UH football memory: "Cruising with the guys."
REAGAN MAUIA
Position: Running back.
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
Junior college: San Joaquin Delta.
Graduation day: December 2007 (family resources).
Fun fact: He trains for ultimate fighting.
Best UH football memory: "When I got my scholarship (in January). I was happy. My son was out here at the time. I was real happy I could get a scholarship for him."
KURT MILNE
Position: Punter.
Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
High school: Centennial.
Graduation day: May 2007 (economy).
Fun fact: His great-grandfather, A.A. Milne, wrote "Winnie-the-Pooh" and "The House at Pooh Corner."
Best UH football memory: "The Alabama game (in 2002) was my first big win since I've been here. It was against a big-conference team. That was the best memory. That game, the Purdue game, the Houston game. They're all up there."
CHAD MOCK
Position: Wideout.
Hometown: Honolulu.
Schools: McKinley High, Avila College.
Graduation day: May 2007 (sociology).
Fun fact: He collects football cards.
Best UH football memory: "This season. This whole season."
KENNY PATTON
Position: Cornerback.
Hometown: Honolulu.
High schools: Punahou/St. Francis (Altadena, Calif.).
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (English).
Fun fact: Patton and former UH volleyball player Victoria Prince are proud parents of Champ, a chihuahua.
Best UH football memory: "Playing wise, it was the Nevada game, because that was a great win. Watching wise, it was definitely the Purdue game. It was unbelievable. I would have given anything to get even one snap in that game. It was crazy. It was a great game."
LEONARD PETERS
Position: Free safety.
Hometown: La'ie.
High school: Kahuku.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (sociology).
Fun fact: "I don't like A.C. It bothers my nose."
Best UH football memory: "Playing with all of my friends."
MELILA PURCELL
Position: Defensive left end.
Hometown: Pago Pago, American Samoa.
High school: Leone.
Graduation day: May 2007 (sociology).
Fun fact: He can dunk a basketball off a 360-degree move.
Best UH football memory: "Hanging out with the guys."
IAN SAMPLE
Position: Right wideout.
Hometown: Washington Township, N.J.
Previous college: Bergen.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (English).
Fun fact: He has nearly finished writing a book.
Best UH football memory: "This whole season. The camaraderie, and the heart we have. I've never felt more like a team. In high school, I felt like a team. In college, it felt more like a business. But this year, just being healthy and playing with these guys, it's a great thing."
SAMSON SATELE
Position: Center.
Hometown: Kane'ohe.
High school: Kailua.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (sociology).
Fun fact: He has not cut his hair since his freshman year.
Best UH football memory: "Meeting all of the guys."
DANE UPERESA
Position: Right tackle.
Hometown: Hau'ula.
High school: Punahou.
Graduation day: Dec. 17 (communications).
Fun fact: He loves to sing.
Best UH football memory: "It would have to be this season, probably the last game against Purdue. Just the way we were down. Past teams might be out of it. But this team came together on offense. We weren't even worried. We said, 'We're going to score, convert the two-point conversion, and the defense will get us back the ball, and we'll score again.' The fact we can do that, like the great teams in the country. It's just a great feeling for me, especially in my senior year, to be part of a special group like this."
CHRIS WILLIAMS
Position: Linebacker.
Hometown: Honolulu.
Schools: McKinley High, Fresno City College.
Graduation day: May (psychology).
Fun fact: "I can sing."
Best UH football memory: "It has yet to come. After we win our next two games, then the whole season will be a great memory."
LAWRENCE WILSON
Position: Nose tackle.
Hometown: Honolulu.
Schools: Farrington High, Dixie State College.
Graduation day: May 2007 (sociology).
Fun fact: He eats Zippy's teri-chicken mixed plate after every home game.
Best UH football memory: "Being on this team. Everybody is like family."
• • •
| UH FOOTBALL
WHAT: University of Hawai'i (10-2, 7-1 in Western Athletic Conference) vs. Oregon State (8-4, 6-3 in Pacific-10) WHEN: 7:05 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Aloha Stadium TV: Live on ESPN; AUDIO WEBCAST: espn1420am.com RADIO: Live on ESPN 1420. Neighbor Island simulcasts on KAOI on Maui/Kona, KPUA in Hilo and KQNG on Kaua'i GATES OPEN: Parking lot 2:30 p.m.; Stadium gates 3 p.m. TICKET PRICES: Game is sold out. PROMOTIONS: Green-out Night: Saturday's "Senior Night" game has been designated a "Green Out" and all fans are encouraged to wear green shirts in support of the Warriors and their talented senior class. 19 Seniors to be honored: Nineteen senior football players will be honored during a special post-game ceremony this Saturday for their contributions to the UH program. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats following the game as these student-athletes are introduced during the traditional "Senior Walk." 30,000 Ti Leaves to be distributed: The first 30,000 fans to enter Aloha Stadium for the Oregon State football game will receive a ti leaf, compliments of game-sponsor First Hawaiian Bank. Disneyland & Inter-Island trips to be awarded: First Hawaiian Bank will provide an inter-island trip for two on Aloha Airlines to the winner of the pre-game field-goal kicking contest and a trip for four to Disneyland (including Aloha Airlines flight, hotel, and rental car) to the winner of the "Dash to Disneyland" halftime contest during the game. Fans can register at Gate 3 prior to the game. Las Vegas trip promotion for UH students: UH students can register at Gate 7 for the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas and other great prizes, compliments of First Hawaiian Bank and Vacations Hawaii. One student will be drawn from those who register to compete in a contest on the field between the third and fourth quarters. Thus far this season, two UH students have won trips to Las Vegas. UH students ride free: The Chancellor's Office will provide free bus transportation to the game. The buses will pick up UH students on Dole Street in front of the Gateway House two hours before game time. The buses will leave the stadium 30 minutes after the game and return to the Gateway House. Signup sheets will be at the front desks at each UH residence hall. PARKING: $5 ALTERNATIVE PARKING (no tailgating): • Leeward Community College (free with $2 charge for shuttle service); • Kamehameha Drive-In ($5 with free shuttle service); • Radford High School ($3 with no shuttle service). All shuttle service runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and approximately one hour after the game ends. SECURITY: Only fanny packs, purses, backpacks and handbags will be allowed into stadium (subject to check). TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Sports Radio 1420 will provide traffic advisories and updates before each UH football home game. BUS SHUTTLES: For UH students: Chancellor office is providing free bus transportation to the home games at Aloha Stadium. Buses will pick up UH students on Dole Street in front of Gateway House two hours before game time.The buses will leave the stadium 30 minutes after the game and return to Gateway. Sign-up sheets are at the front desk at each UH residence hall. Roberts Hawaii is offering round trip "air conditioned" shuttle bus services to Aloha Stadium for $6 from three O'ahu areas. Bus No. 3 will pick up at the Hawai'i Kai Park n' Ride at 4 p.m., at Bank of Hawai'i at Kahala Mall at 4:15 and proceed to the stadium. Bus No. 2 will pick up at the Kailua District Park, Kainalu Avenue at 4:15 p.m., at Windward Mall Shopping Center on Alaloa Street facing Sears at 4:30 and proceed to the stadium. Bus No. 1 will pick up at the Mililani Mauka Park n' Ride at 4:30 p.m. and go directly to the stadium. Reservations are required and service is first come, first serve. Call Roberts School Bus at 832-4886 for reservations and additional information. City bus service Ala Moana — Kona Street (4 p.m., 4:30, 5, 5:30). Downtown — Alapai Transit Center, express bus lot (4:10, 4:40, 5:10, 5:40). Palolo — Waialae/Palolo fronting McDonald (4:02, 5:02, 5:32). University of Hawai'i — Sinclair Circle (4:10, 4:50, 5:10, 5:30). Kahala — Waialae/Kilauea across mall (4, 4:40, 5:10, 5:40). Kaimuki— Koko Head/Waialae fronting Liliuokalani Elementary (4, 5, 5:30). Waikiki — Monsarrat at Kapiolani Bandstand (3:30, 3:45, 4, 4:15, 4:30, 4:50, 5:10, 5:30). Hawai'i Kai — Keahole Street, Hawaii Kai Park & Ride (4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5, 5:15, 5:30). Village Park — Kupuohi Street, Royal Kunia Park & Ride (4:20, 5:40). Kapolei — Kamokila Boulevard at Kahuhihewa State Building (4, 5:40). Mililani Mauka — Ukuwai Street at Mililani Park & Ride (4, 5, 5:40). Ewa Beach — Fort Weaver/Kaimalie before Ewa Beach Shopping Center (4, 5:20). Kalanianaole/Kailua — Across Castle Medical Center (4, 5:20). Kailua: Keolu/Hele — Across Enchanted Lake Shopping Center (4:05, 5:25). Kailua/Hahani — Kailua Shopping Center (4:10, 5:30). Kaneohe Bay/Mokapu — Fronting Aikahi Shopping Center (4, 5:20). Kaneohe Bay/Makalani — Across Windward City Shopping Center (4:10, 5:30). Rates are $3 one way and $6 roundtrip. Passes and transfers are not accepted. For information, go to: http://www.thebus.org. For schedule information, call 848-5555. |
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
