Women's football team plays for love of game

By Leila Wai
Special to The Advertiser

The offensive line is in a three-point stance as the quarterback calls an audible, redirecting the receivers and running backs.

"Hut! hut!" Everyone tenses.

No, these aren't the University of Hawai'i Warriors. These are the women of the Hawai'i Legends football team.

Yesterday, the Legends beat the Los Angeles Lasers, 7-6, at Kaiser High School. They also beat the Lasers, 34-28, in overtime Thursday.

The Legends play in the Women's American Football League, which consists of 17 teams throughout the United States. Games are played in 15-minute quarters, according to National Football League rules.

Rough start

Ilima Vicente scored on a 1-yard run in the first half yesterday and Hilary Okumura kicked what proved to be the winning extra point.

"It's fun," Vicente said. "To be out here, it's a dream come true for me and a lot of women out there."

Three years ago this game would not have taken place. Now, with several league changes and team adjustments, the Legends are ready to challenge for the league championship. They have a 2-2 record.

"When we first started out it was rough," Vicente said. "A lot of people doubted us."

The players range in age from 21 to 40. Some are firefighters, nurses, teachers, lawyers, doctors and police officers. They practice three times a week and play about every two weeks.

"We have a lot of excellent athletes," said Legends coach Ben Morn. "Most of them played some kind of sport in high school and they were looking for an outlet after their playing days were over."

Although they are professional athletes, they do not get paid and are in search of a sponsor. Travel, uniform and game expenses come out of their pockets, and proceeds from their games go directly to travel costs.

Next game Dec. 13

Legends owner Nancy McMahon hopes that when they get a set schedule people will come to watch the games. "I think it is a popular sport," said McMahon, who also plays for the team. "The interest is there, we saw it when we went to the Mainland and saw the crowds."

Although tired and bruised from playing two games in four days, the team is ready for more.

"Once you play football, it's in your blood," said Vicente. "I love everything about it. Game time, the action, the hits, my team, everything."

The Legends' next game is Thursday, Dec. 13 at a site yet to be determined. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth, students and seniors (ages 55 and older).