In what could be the most intense coin toss in Aloha Stadium history, former UFC champion BJ Penn will be Hawaii football team’s honorary captain for Saturday’s homecoming game against New Mexico.
UH coach Norm Chow said Penn was an easy choice.
"There’s so much respect for BJ around the state and around the country, really," Chow said. "He’s a guy everybody admires for his toughness and so forth. I think he epitomizes what we want to be like."
Chow said he is a long-time fan of mixed martial arts.
"I have three sons, and I don’t think we’ve missed a televised fight (Penn has) been in," Chow said.
Chow’s middle son, Cameron, was host to an Internet show on MMA fighting.
Chow said the selection was greeted with rousing approval from the Warriors.
"Why not?" Chow said. "BJ is admired for what he’s done, for what he’s accomplished, for the state."
The Warriors and Penn have another bond.
"We asked for permission to copy his entrance," Chow said.
Penn enters the octagon to Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole’s "Hawaii ’78." The Warriors use that song during their introductory walk from the Aloha Stadium locker room to the UH sideline.
Matagiese cleared to play against New Mexico
Chow said defensive tackle Siasau "Saui" Matagiese has been officially cleared to play in Saturday’s game. He missed the past game because of a neck stinger and slight concussion.
Matagiese will start at one of the tackle positions, enabling Beau Yap to remain at defensive end. Yap is the Warriors’ best rush end.
Moleni in line to start at tight end
Harold Moleni has taken the circuitous route to a possible starting job.
Moleni is expected to open at tight end against New Mexico.
"I’m preparing to start," Moleni said. "If it changes, I want to be ready either way."
Craig Cofer was the No. 1 Y — the on-line tight end — for the Warriors’ first five games. UH opened the competition this week.
Moleni, a 21-year-old freshman, has played well in practices.
Moleni is a 2008 graduate of Utah’s Hunter High. After that, he worked as tracker for foster children.
"I was the one who’d go to their schools, go to their foster homes, check their progress and then report to their therapists or the state," Moleni said. "It was a great opportunity at the time."
He then went on a two-year church mission to Spokane, Wash.
"It was amazing," he said. "It definitely changed my life."
During his mission, he maintained a letters-only relationship with his high school girlfriend, Sheriann.
"She waited for me when I was on my mission," Moleni said.
When he returned to Utah, he proposed. They were married over the summer.
"Life is good," Moleni said.
Armstrong looks to transfer from UH
Defensive back Ijumaa Armstrong has requested a release from his UH football scholarship.
Armstrong redshirted in 2011 and was on the scout team this year. He is seeking to transfer to another FBS school.
