Of all the attractions for this Saturday’s University of Hawaii football party known as “Family Festivus,” one activity is being heavily debated.
UH coach Nick Rolovich has volunteered to play quarterback for a series in the full-contact, scrimmage-like session.
“I’m considering suiting up and going live and letting the defense hit me,” said Rolovich, 37, who was a record-setting UH quarterback in 2001. “We got mixed feelings on that as a staff.”
The Rainbow Warriors are scheduled to complete spring training on March 23, the Thursday preceding the weekend start of UH’s spring break. But because of scheduling conflicts, the Warriors could not reserve Ching Athletics Complex for that night. Instead, Rolovich decided to hold what was previously known as “Spring Fling” this Saturday at Ching.
Gates open at 3 p.m., and the Warriors will be introduced at about 4:15. Admission is free.
Asked about the activities, Rolovich said, “the question is what don’t we have planned and what has yet to be planned.”
Rolovich said there will be food booths, live entertainment, a DJ, and a kids’ zone featuring a bounce house. Comedian Augie T and sportscaster Bobby Curran will serve as hosts. Gov. David Ige will coach one of the teams in the scrimmage. UH is trying to solidify the other coach.
A homecoming of sorts
When 6-foot Manu Hudson-Rasmussen was a senior in high school, he attempted to dunk a basketball for the first time. “I never played (organized) basketball in my life,” he said. “I was messing around in the gym. I picked up the ball and dunked it. I always knew I could jump.”
Hudson-Rasmussen now is making the leap to Division I football after two years at Riverside (Calif.) City College. It is somewhat of a homecoming for Hudson-Rasmussen, who was born in Hawaii but moved to Oregon when he was 5. “Growing up, my dad always took me back (for visits),” said Hudson-Rasmussen, whose cousin Kory Rasmussen is a former UH defensive lineman.
He has been competing at cornerback this spring training. He said he devotes extra time to studying the plays, analyzing video and working out.
“I’ve been playing this sport since second grade,” he said. “It’s something I love. It’s something I wake up to every day.”
Cleared for duty
A person could grow old waiting for clearance to play college football. That person is cornerback Terrence Sayles, who recently turned 27.
Sayles, who was raised in Texas, tried out for the Warriors in February 2014 after serving 5 years, 6 months and 12 days with the Army. He redshirted that year.
Because of the financial strain of living in Hawaii, Sayles moved to the mainland in the spring of 2015 with the intent to play for another school in Texas. He then learned that there was a place for him to stay in Hawaii and Army benefits that would cover college and living expenses. He re-enrolled at UH, but not in time to rejoin the team for the 2015 season. Last season, he was allowed to practice with the Warriors but not play in games because he had not earned enough credits to coincide with his eligibility clock. This spring, he received full clearance.
“I’m eligible now,” said Sayles, who has two years to play two UH seasons.
