'There's, like, a dislike' between UH, Fresno

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Historians cannot agree on what sparked the feud, but it is widely accepted that the football rivalry between Fresno State and Hawai'i became white-hot in 1999.

That was when the teams met at Aloha Stadium in a crucial Western Athletic Conference game. UH won, in overtime, to clinch a share of the WAC title in June Jones' first season as the Warriors' head coach.

While there had been a testy history between the schools — in men's basketball, in particular, and soon after both were abandoned when eight schools seceded from the WAC in 1999 — "I think the '99 game made (the rivalry) kind of a deal," Jones said.

"You have rivalries in every conference," UH offensive lineman Vince Manuwai said, "and most likely (UH's rival is) Fresno. Every year we battle each other. It's always a good game, a good show."

Since the reorganization of the WAC in 1999, Fresno State and Hawai'i have amassed the most victories among league members. That has led to battles significant to the standings each season — in Hawai'i in odd-numbered years, and in Fresno in even years, including Friday night's nationally televised game at Bulldog Stadium.

"There's, like, a dislike," UH safety Sean Butts said. "Certain teams just don't like each other. We just don't get along with Fresno, I guess. I don't know if it's coaching or something. The players just don't get along. They don't like each other. It's just the way it goes."

Justin Colbert, a UH senior wideout, agreed there is "some kind of dislike between the teams, for some reason."

Colbert said the emotions probably are a carryover from the intensity both teams bring into games. "We both play hard and we both play to the end of the whistle," Colbert said. "Both teams don't want to come away with anything but a win. It's great competition."

Each team benefits greatly from playing at home. Last year, FSU coach Pat Hill complained the police escort did not show up to lead the Bulldogs' buses from the hotel on the North Shore to Aloha Stadium. The Bulldogs stayed on the North Shore to avoid distractions. In turn, the Warriors will practice Thursday in Ontario, Calif., to avoid the interruptions of practicing in Fresno.

Abu Ma'afala, a freshman defensive tackle, was warned about the Bulldogs' heckling fans.

"Coach Jones was making some jokes about it," Ma'afala said. "It's pretty funny how fans are, throwing bottles. Coach says we have to stay focused during the game. ... The guys told me to watch out and don't get hit by the beer bottles or something."

Manuwai said the heckling has added to the rivalry.

"I like it," he said. "I like to play in a rowdy place. It kind of pumps me up more to play harder."

Butts said the older UH players are used to the heckling. With his surname, Butts said he has heard every sort of taunt.

"You've got to get used to it," he said. "There are no new jokes. It's 24 years. I've pretty much heard every one."

Notes: Running back Mike Bass is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game because of a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament. Bass suffered the injury Sept. 28 against Southern Methodist. Jones said Bass will undergo additional medical tests to determine the severity of the injury. ... Tests yesterday showed safety Leonard Peters did not aggravate the spleen and kidney injuries he suffered in training camp. Yesterday's results backed up the findings from Saturday's tests.