The University of Hawaii’s football practice had ended, but there was one more competition remaining on Thursday.
The Rainbow Wahine soccer team walked onto Ching Field for a dance-off — football against futbol.
Wahine forward Malissa Shadle did the worm. Rainbow Warriors linebacker Lance Williams did a split. Even Warriors coach Norm Chow danced.
Wahine coach Michele Nagamine said: "Coach Chow came over and said, ‘Let’s do something for the kids. They’ve worked really hard. We still have a lot of games left. Let’s keep it really positive.’ I thought it was a great idea to get them together. … Coach Chow had some moves. I thought he was going to use the knee brace as a little excuse, but, man, he can bust it."
Afterward, Chow provided malasadas for the players, coaches and staff.
"We wanted to have fun today," said Chow, whose Warriors were scheduled to depart Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s game against New Mexico in Albuquerque. This will be the Warriors’ fourth trip of the season, and third road game in 22 days. They also play at Nevada on Oct. 24.
The Mountain West Conference allows teams to travel with up to 68 eligible players. UH’s budget allows up to 66 travelers. The medical charts limited the Warriors to 62 players for this trip.
Luke Shawley, who started the first six games at defensive end, is not on the travel roster because of what is termed a personal problem. That opened the way for Zeno Choi, a freshman defensive tackle from Kaiser High, to make his first trip.
Freshman quarterback Aaron Zwahlen and cornerback Rojesterman Farris also are on the travel roster. Neither has played this season, and the intent is to maintain their redshirt status. They will be used if a quarterback or cornerback suffers a season-ending injury against New Mexico. They will not be used in a cameo appearance.
Quarterback Max Wittek, wearing braces on both knees, practiced on Thursday after being held out of workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is expected to make his seventh consecutive start.
Running back Paul Harris and wideout/returner Keelan Ewaliko have practiced the past two days. Both did not play against San Diego State while recovering from concussion-like symptoms. It has been a difficult past few weeks for Ewaliko, who endured a shoulder injury and the death of his grandfather.
Chow praised John Ursua, who portrayed New Mexico’s quarterback in drills against the Warriors’ defense this week. Ursua displayed both quickness in steering the triple-option offense and a strong arm. Ursua completed a two-year church mission this year and is redshirting this season.
