Four Warriors invited to play in Hula Bowl

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i football players Chris Brown, Vince Manuwai, Lui Fuata and Sean Butts have been invited to play in the Hula Bowl Maui all-star game.

The game is scheduled for Feb. 1 at War Memorial Stadium.

"This is a great honor," said Brown, a senior middle linebacker. "No matter what, I want to play in the Hula Bowl. I want to play in front of the Hawai'i crowd one more time."

Brown, a Damien Memorial High School graduate, moved from defensive end last season.

"He's a gamer," UH coach June Jones said. "He's a physical player and he's not afraid to hit. That's a good combination for a middle linebacker."

Brown recently passed Manuwai to earn the distinction as the team's strongest player. Manuwai bench pressed 500 pounds two months ago and, last week, Brown had a 505-pound lift.

But Manuwai, a Farrington High graduate who will start at right guard, has the edge in postseason opportunities. He already has been invited to compete in the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.

"He's about as good as they get," Jones said.

Fuata, a graduate of Maui's Lahainaluna High, has played every position on the offensive line. He started at left tackle last season, played left guard in spring practice and will start at center this year. He also is the backup deep snapper.

"He's been a great team guy to have," Jones said. "He has the ability to do so many things."

Butts, who was raised in California, was recruited as a wide receiver in 1998. He was moved to the defensive secondary last year, and will start at free safety this season. He also is the Warriors' "gunner" — the point man on punt coverage — and the team's most effective kick-blocker.

Jones said Butts, who can run 100 meters in 10.4 seconds, could earn a pro shot based solely on his work on special teams.

Tickets are priced at $30 and $25, and may be ordered by calling the Hula Bowl office at (808) 871-4141.