It's official, 'Warrior' is UH's mascot
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Vili Fehoko, who portrays "The Warrior" at University of Hawai'i football games and men's volleyball matches, has signed a three-year contract to serve as UH's official mascot, his wife, Linda, confirmed yesterday.
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Fehoko, who paints his face for performances, uses theatrical poses and drum-pounding to lead cheers. The football and men's volleyball programs had paid Fehoko to perform as the "Warrior" during their events.
Vili "The Warrior" Fehoko, who has signed a three-year contract with UH, will be available to perform at all school functions.
Under terms of his new contract, Fehoko will be available to perform at all UH functions, including non-sporting events. Although Fehoko will represent the university, his undisclosed salary is expected to be paid by the athletic department.
"It's such a blessing," Linda Fehoko said. "Vili is so happy he is no longer 'unofficial.' "
Fehoko earned national attention for his performance at the NCAA men's volleyball championship match on Penn State's campus last May.
The 292-pound Fehoko was an entertainer at the Polynesian Cultural Center for nearly 18 years. In August, he was fired following a dispute with management.
The National Football League also has signed Fehoko to work at the Pro Bowl and the adjoining event, the NFL Experience. The NFL will produce 2,500 "Warrior" trading cards.
• A reel fan: He was there for a "Rising Sun" and roamed the "Planet of the Apes," but this fall, actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa has decided to spend time watching Warrior football practices.
"I've personally taken time out," Tagawa said. "It's for me to get an education about football. I never got to play. My parents would never sign the release."
Tagawa, whose father was in the military, spent most of his childhood in Louisiana and Texas. But he said: "My dad's a local guy, a Kalihi guy. I grew up local-style in the South."
Inspired by his mother, who was an actress in Tokyo, Tagawa also pursued a career in the arts.
While on a business trip last year, Tagawa decided to attend a UH practice. He became friends with several players, including quarterback Tim Chang.
"He helps me out in a lot of ways," Chang said. "He's a good friend, more than anything."
With Tagawa's son starting to play football, he decided he wanted to take time to learn more about the sport. He usually attends at least one practice a week.
"I've just gotten to know him," coach June Jones said. "He's a real good guy. He has a good heart, and that's why I like the guy."
Several former pro players and athletes, including boxer Marvin Hagler, have attended UH practices, which are open to the public.
"Any time you have people like that come in, it's fun for the players," Jones said. "It's fun to hear what helped make them successful. From that standpoint, it's positive."
• It's a hard-knock life: Wideout Jeremiah Cockheran, who made his first collegiate start last Saturday against Nevada, has emerged as one of the Warriors' best blockers.
Cockheran threw a vicious block toward the end of Britton Komine's 72-yard scoring play in the Warriors' 59-34 victory over Nevada last Saturday.
"I take pride in my blocks," said Cockheran, a junior college transfer from California.
He developed that skill in high school, where his team ran the option, and later when his junior college ran about half the time. Although the Warriors do not tackle in practices, Cockheran said, "In a game, I know what I'm going to do. I attack the outside shoulder, keep my base, plant my feet and set my block."
Cockheran and slotback Nate Ilaoa lead the receivers with three pancake blocks apiece. "Me and Nate have a contest going," Cockheran said. "I'm always looking for the pancake. To me, a block, like the one for Britt on the first play, is like I scored a touchdown with Britt because I felt so good about it. It was fun."
