UH’s Gant soldiers on

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. » Hawaii receiver Chris Gant did not have time to catch his breath.

It had little to do with the thin air — Falcon Stadium is 6,600 feet above sea level — and everything to do with the emotions during a 48-hour period.

During the Warriors’ flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles, Gant’s grandfather died after a long illness. Gant learned the news shortly after the plane touched down, and was overcome with grief. Teammates and coaches tried to console him.

Gant spent that night at his family home in Carson, Calif.

He rejoined the team on Thursday afternoon for the flight to Colorado Springs ahead of Friday’s nationally televised game against Air Force.

Gant said there was no way he was going to miss the game.

"He would have wanted me to play," Gant said. "My family wanted me to play."

Gant started as the single-side receiver. He led the Warriors with four receptions. A fifth catch was nullified because it was ruled his right shoe touched the sideline when he landed.

Gant said he received support from the Warriors.

"My teammates keep me pumping," Gant said. "My coach keeps me pumping. They’re like a family to me. A family (member) went away. The family got closer."

Gant redshirted last year after transferring from a junior college. He has adjusted to the Warriors’ multi-look offense. With several injuries to receivers, Gant was counted on heavily for Friday’s game. In particular, it was hoped he would connect with quarterback Jeremy Higgins, who was making his first collegiate start.

"I had an important task," Gant said. "That kept me going."

Gant said his grandfather was "a really good guy."

He added: "Every time I’ve lost past ones, I’ve always felt they were with me. I tried to give everything for (my grandfather). I knew he was watching me."

The game also had another meaning. His sister is in the Air Force. Several family members attended.

"It was definitely special to play in this game," Gant said.

Gant acknowledged the growing pains of this first season under UH coach Norm Chow. But he said he was not discouraged.

"We’re definitely going to make a strong finish," Gant said. "Nobody is giving up. We’re playing for everyone back home."