Two Warriors to play in Hula Bowl

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i football players Jeremiah Cockheran and Hyrum Peters yesterday said they will accept invitations to play in the Hula Bowl Maui.

The nationally televised all-star game is scheduled for Jan. 17 at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.

Cockheran is a wide receiver from Fontana, Calif. Peters is a 1999 graduate of Kahuku High. They were co-captains during the 2003 season.

"It feels great," Cockheran said of the invitation. "My family will be happy to see me play one more time, and I'm looking forward to playing one more game for the people of the state of Hawai'i."

In last week's Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, Cockheran had five catches for 162 yards. Despite a chronically sprained ankle, Cockheran finished with 61 catches for 997 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns in 12 games.

Although there were reports of a forthcoming invitation, Peters said: "I didn't want to get my hopes up. I wanted to wait to be sure."

Peters was listed as a strong safety, but he was used as a pass defender, blitzer and linebacker.

At 5 feet 8 and 190 pounds, Peters was the Warriors' smallest starter on defense. But he was second on the team with 93 tackles, including 67 solo stops. He also had 10 pass breakups, three sacks and an interception.

Of the invitation, Peters said: "I guess hard work pays off. I tried to work hard this year."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.