Seniors share their favorite memories

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

To be sure, this has been a unique senior class of University of Hawai'i football players.

Of the 25 seniors who will play their final regular-season game Saturday at Aloha Stadium — a 26th, wideout Rene Melson, is seeking an extra season — 12 joined the Warriors as non-scholarship players.

Here is the class of 2004:

Justin Ayat, place-kicker
Graduation: Summer 2005 (family resources).

Favorite UH memory: "When I was a freshman (in 2001), kicking that game-winner against Miami of Ohio. Back then, nobody really heard of Miami of Ohio. We were taking them for granted. Once the game started, we saw they could play. We stepped it up. It was a high-scoring game, and we knew whoever scored last would win. Their quarterback was Ben Roethlisberger (now a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers)."

Ikaika Blackburn, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005 (Hawaiian Studies, Hawaiian Language).

Favorite UH memory: "Staying in Hawai'i, and being able to play for the home team."

Michael Brewster, running back
Graduation: In 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "Playing football."

Tim Chang, quarterback
Graduation: May 2005 (sports administration).

Favorite UH memory: "Winning (31-21) at Fresno State in 2002. That's the best one we've had."

Jonathan Ekno, offensive lineman
Graduation: May 2005 (history).

Favorite UH memory: "The best memory is when Uriah (Moenoa, an offensive lineman) and I first came here. We weren't in the best of shape. We had to run 220s, and me and Uriah were lagging way behind everyone else. We kept pushing each other. It was a rude awakening. Since then, Uriah and I have become good friends, just like with all of the o-line guys, really. I like just hanging with the guys."

Abraham Elimimian, cornerback
Graduation: This month (political science).

Favorite UH memory: "Beating Alabama last year on national television."

Matt Faga, defensive tackle
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "When Coach (June) Jones gave me that scholarship (last spring) for my hard work and dedication to the program."

Thomas Frazier, defensive tackle
Graduation: December 2005 (English).

Favorite UH memory: "I was going to come to school out here after taking a year off from school. I remember when I first came here (in January), I didn't know anybody. A family took me in and showed me around. I was going try out (for the football team) because I had a year (of eligibility) left. I didn't think I was going to make it, but I talked to the coach, and he gave me a 'yes.' "

Lui Fuga, defensive tackle
Graduation: Earned bachelor's degree in May 2003; expected to complete master's in higher education in May 2005.

Favorite UH memory: "Beating Fresno in overtime in '99 to win the WAC title was my greatest memory."

Watson Ho'ohuli, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology)

Favorite UH memory: "I have a lot of memories, but I'll never forget just hanging out with the guys on the team."

Chad Kahale, offensive lineman
Graduation: This month (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "My favorite memory was going up to Fresno (in 2002) and whupping their butt. That was the best."

Chad Kapanui, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "Just being around all of the guys."

Phil Kauffman, offensive lineman
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "Hanging out with the guys."

West Keli'ikipi, running back
Graduation: May 2006 (sociology)

Favorite UH memory: "I tried out for the team in 2000, but I had to drop out because I was living off campus and I couldn't pay my rent. I came back, and I think I was 326 (pounds). I kept working at it. Everybody can give up on life. You have to have the heart and the determination to do what you want to do. That's my favorite memory: not playing football for five years and coming back and starting. It was wonderful."

Britton Komine, wideout
Graduation: May 2005 (psychology).

Favorite UH memory: "Catching the touchdown in Fresno (in 2002). The feeling with the team after that, and the plane ride home after we won that game, it was awesome."

Paul Lutu-Carroll, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005 (business management).

Favorite UH memory: "It had to be the Tulsa game (this season). That was my first D-I game as a University of Hawai'i football player."

Matt Manuma, safety
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "Probably the win at Fresno (in 2002), and hanging out with the guys."

Lincoln Manutai, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005

Favorite UH memory: "Just playing on the team; just being with all of the guys."

Uriah Moenoa, offensive lineman
Graduation: May 2005 (psychology).

Favorite UH memory: "It definitely would not be the training table. It's being with the guys. This brotherhood we have is special. I'm going to miss this when I'm gone. I'm already missing it."

Daniel Murray, linebacker
Graduation: Spring 2005 (psychology).

Favorite UH memory: "Just being part of this program."

Kilinahe Noa, linebacker
Graduation: May 2005 (ethnic studies).

Favorite UH memory: "Just getting together with all of the guys and hanging out. That will be the best memory."

Chad Owens, slotback
Graduation: This month (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "It was probably the first time I stepped on the field in training camp (in August 2000). I knew that's when I had a chance, when a lot of people doubted I could make it. I'll never forget that moment."

Se'e Poumele, slotback
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "Playing against USC last year and my very first touchdown against UNLV. And just hanging out with the guys. If I had to pick from the three, hanging out with the guys would be my favorite."

Darrell Tautofi, defensive lineman
Graduation: May 2005 (sociology).

Favorite UH memory: "The best thing has been being part of the football team. These guys have become my brothers."

Gerald Welch, slotback
Graduation: May 2005 (history).

Favorite UH memory: "Being introduced before the Tulsa game during my true freshman year was nice. My favorite memory is getting married."