By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

Ever since 1923, when legend had it a rainbow over Mo'ili'ili Field presaged a victory for the University of Hawa'i football team over Oregon State, UH fans have annually looked for indicators of good fortune for Manoa teams and their seasons.

As an aid to the upcoming UH fall athletic season, we offer a quick guide to signs to keep an eye out for this year.

For example, you'll know it is bound to be a good season for the Warrior football team or Rainbow Wahine volleyball team if...

• The words "Tim Chang" and "pinkie" aren't used in the same sentence again — and the next time anybody examines his hand for anything, it is to measure his ring size.

• With the NCAA Final Four being held in New Orleans, Kim Willoughby begins making plans to go home for the holidays early this year. And, Lily Kahumoku doesn't.

• The so-called Chad Owens "rule" — no player may theatrically "dive" into an end zone unless UH leads by 30 or more points at the time — comes into play more than twice before Halloween.

• UH reserves the trolley for a downtown run in December.

• Denver Broncos teammates begin to tell Ashley Lelie, "Neal Gossett would have made that catch."

• Sportscaster Lee Corso gets enough practice at it to correctly pronounce Pisa Tinoisamoa's name.

• Justin Ayat is again called upon to kick a bunch of 35-yard extra points.

• The Mike Cavanaugh look catches on with offensive line coaches across the country.

• Some company offers UH coaches a new cell phone deal.

• Any letters June Jones receives from the Western Athletic Conference commissioner this year start out: "Congratulations!"

• Dave Shoji doesn't lose any more hair.

• No starters are injured for the season opener while trading airborne chest bumps with mascot Vili Fehoko during pregame ceremonies.

• The UH Web site begins to keep track of Bowl Championship Series points.

• Robert Kekaula says "Oh, Wow!" a lot when the Warriors are on defense.

• Rich Miano bats 1.000 on special teams predictions again.

• Somebody else gets to open the NCAA regionals in Pullman, Wash., this year.

• Broadcaster Scott Robbs has the Rainbow Wahine "slamming the coconut" regularly on radio.

• Thero Mitchell puts the "run" back in run-and-shoot.

• The first couple road trips go so well that American Express asks UH players to do a television commercial.

• Mat McBriar's punts begin showing up on air traffic controllers' screens.