Posted on: Saturday, February 2,2002
HULA BOWL
Hula Bowl brings players to fans
| • | Crouch not resting on Heisman laurels |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Quarterback Nick Rolovich is among eight former University of Hawai'i players in today's Hula Bowl Maui at the War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku. Kick off is at 3 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
Associated Press |
WAILUKU, Maui — Remember an era when athletes graciously signed autographs (and didn't charge a fee for the effort), tickets could be purchased without a finance plan and stadium parking attendants did not shoo away fans 10 minutes after the game's completion?
Well, that '70s show can be found today at War Memorial Stadium.
If the Senior Bowl in Alabama is the Oscars of the college football all-star circuit, then Hula Bowl Maui is the People's Choice.
"It's important for the state to have this game," said Lenny Klompus, the Hula Bowl's chief executive officer. "What we've tried to do is provide an opportunity for the people of the state to have an up-close-and-personal experience with the players and coaches."
The Hula Bowl is styled after the old Farrell's, with the workers also serving as the entertainers. The players and coaches make personal appearances at malls during the week, then are available to sign autographs after the game, when fans are allowed to go onto the field.
"The game is more than football," Klompus said. "It's about kids getting a chance to meet some of their heroes. (Heisman Trophy winner) Eric Crouch signed autographs for an hour straight, and he never took a smile off his face."
Klompus managed to secure several post-game entertainers, including singer Otis Day, best known as the "Otis, my man" character from the movie "Animal House."
The rosters feature Crouch, the quarterback from Nebraska; Florida defensive end Alex Brown, and eight former University of Hawai'i players, including quarterback Nick Rolovich. Bob Stoops of Oklahoma, Steve Spurrier of the Washington Redskins and Dennis Erickson of Oregon State are among the coaches.
"I'm proud to be here," former UH safety Jacob Espiau said. "This is a great game, a great experience, and it's a good reward for working hard."
Former Warrior offensive lineman Manly Kanoa III said, "There are a lot of big-name players here. It'll be fun to play against them."
