With educational costs on the rise, the University of Hawaii football team has found an appetizing option at Kapiolani Community College.
KCC’s culinary arts program will provide tonight’s dinner for 64 Rainbow Warriors and 16 staff members. Total cost for UH? Nada.
The players “will get a good meal, and it’ll help our program and (KCC’s) program,” head coach Norm Chow said.
The Warriors usually check into a Waikiki hotel the night before home games.
Mike Biscotti, general manager of Hoakalei Country Club; Al Chee, who oversees Chevron’s community relations, and Jim Rodden, the owner of Hawaii Supply, were instrumental in helping KCC’s culinary program receive a substantial grant. As part of the aspiring chefs’ training, they will prepare dinner for the Warriors on the eve of home games.
The culinary program has received raves for its eclectic menu and restaurant’s ambience.
“I’m looking forward to it. I understand the setting is gorgeous,” Chow said of KCC’s Ka‘Ikena Laua‘e restaurant.
The work continues
A month of training concluded Tuesday with the Rainbow Warriors’ final full practice ahead of Thursday’s opener against USC.
They will have a walk-through this afternoon.
After the 90-minute practice, Chow told the players: “We finished practice, but we haven’t finished studying. The hay is never in the barn. We have more work to do. We have tape work to do. Let’s not lose the enthusiasm.”
As many as 29 players might be making their UH debut on Thursday, including quarterback Taylor Graham. Graham redshirted last season after spending two years at Ohio State.
Chow said he expects Graham to be ready.
“He’s put the work into it to be successful.” Chow said.
Chow also has implored a big-picture view.
“This is one game,” Chow said. “We’ve said it all along. It’s a long season. We’ve prepared for the season and not just the one game.”
Injury updates
Running back Joey Iosefa, tight end Jordan Pu‘u-Robinson and defensive tackle Kennedy Tulimasealii are the only Warriors to be ruled out for the opener.
Wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann, who missed training camp because of a concussion suffered in a single-car accident, is unlikely to play.
Linebacker Lance Williams is questionable because of a leg injury.
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Correction: Jim Rodden, the owner of Hawaii Supply, was among those who helped KCC’s culinary program receive a substantial grant. An earlier version of this story misidentified him.
