Stutzmann's finishing kick was unexpected, but worth waiting for
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer
The game had it all: record-breaking plays, sellout crowd, fight on the sidelines.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Even senior wide receiver Craig Stutzmann got in on the action, scoring the final touchdown of his University of Hawai'i career, then getting ejected from the game against Brigham Young.
UH senior Craig Stutzmann scores after catching a 5-yard pass in the third quarter. Stutzmann celebrated by punting the ball into the crowd, then jumping into the stands — leading to his ejection.
After pulling down a 5-yard pass in the end zone in the third quarter, Stutzmann punted the ball into the north end zone stands. Unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Stutzmann wasn't through. He leaped into the stands, drawing another penalty and subsequent ejection.
He forgot about that rule. In retrospect, it didn't matter.
"Ever since I was 10 I've always wanted to do that," said Stutzmann, who had four catches for 33 yards yesterday. "But it had to be in a big game, a big collegiate game."
He picked the perfect game.
Hawai'i handed BYU its first loss of the season, 72-45, scoring the most points in school history and the most ever allowed by BYU.
"I thought that in order to win the game, one of us would have to score 50 points," Stutzmann said. "I thought it would come down to the wire, something like Fresno State (a 38-34 UH win). But I didn't think it'd be a blowout. But this is what Hawai'i fans wanted. Couldn't have scripted it better."
In true local-boy style, the St. Louis School graduate emerged from the tunnel for his senior walk in rubber slippers and decked in lei. With younger brother Billy by his side, he waved to the crowd, flashing the shaka and a tearful smile.
Born and raised in Hawai'i, Stutzmann had always wanted to play for UH in front of the home crowd.
"I've always wanted to come here, to make the state proud," he said. "And in these economic times, it's important to keep our spirits up, to show that local guys and the state of Hawai'i never give up."
Stutzmann made his way down the line, hugging every player and every coach, trying to hold back his emotions as brother Billy followed, carrying a video camera.
"He teaches me how to catch," said 10-year-old Billy, wearing his brother's oversized jersey. He said his brother is his idol, and wants to be a wide receiver just like him.
That's the kind of person, and player, Stutzmann is.
"He's been one of the most consistent players in the three years that I've been here," said UH coach June Jones. "He's smart, quick and very productive."
Stutzmann didn't need to break any records or win any post-season awards. He just wanted to play football. And he just wanted to be a Warrior.
"It's just been a wild ride," he said, quietly. "There's been more ups than downs this year. I couldn't have ended my career, couldn't have ended the season better than this."
