Posted on: Tuesday, November 9, 2004

Keeping football, family ties

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Columnist

The late-night driving around Washington state in search of an available satellite dish. The pleading with the managers and clients of sports bars to change the channel to a University of Hawai'i football game. The hunt for high elevations for peak radio reception.

Andy and Beverly Kafentzis of Richland, Wash., thought they'd left it all behind 18 years ago when Sean, the last of the five football-playing sons they'd sent to UH, concluded his career.

"We did a lot to keep up with our sons' careers over there in Hawai'i," Beverly said.

Turns out they're not done yet.

With one grandson (safety Landon) now getting playing time at UH, another (linebacker Tyson) redshirting and the prospect of even more second-generation Warriors on the way, "it is like old times keeping up with UH," Andy said.

This week, Beverly said, will be better than most. "This time (Friday at Fresno State) the game is on ESPN, so we can stay home and watch it."

No driving 200 miles to the home of Mark, the father of Landon and Tyson, because he has Fox Sports Pacific. No drive to Boise, Idaho, as they did two weeks ago, to watch in person. "That was a bummer," Beverly said, bemoaning the 69-3 score more than the 285-mile trip.

"But it has been worth it," Beverly said. "We've been UH fans for too long."

Likewise, a succession of UH coaches, from Dick Tomey to June Jones, have long since become fans of the Kafentzis clan, the first family of the defensive secondary. Between Mark (1980-'81), Kurt (1981-'84), Kent (1981-'82 and '84-'85), Kyle (1983-'86) and Sean (1987), UH jerseys have become heirlooms, especially the No. 8, which was worn by Mark and Kyle, and now by Landon.

Until an ankle injury put Kyle on crutches in 1986, UH had a string of 70 consecutive games with at least one Kafentzis on the field, the last 26 with one or more in the starting lineup. UH went 41-26-3 in the process. In a 1984 game with Fresno State, the Kafentzis family almost intercepted for the cycle with Kurt and Kent getting interceptions and Kyle having one ruled out of bounds.

Along the way, the Kafentzis clan has become an information source for the families of new and prospective Mainland players. "We tell them what it is like, and what to expect," Beverly said. "We tell them it has been great for our family."

Landon, who was in on six tackles — including two for losses against Louisiana Tech — made some hits that were trademark, hard-nosed Kafentzis. "He likes to hit; he's a chip off the (family) block," said Rich Miano, UH defensive backs coach and former teammate of several Kafentzis brothers.

With 31 grandchildren, the majority of them boys, Beverly said, "I think a few more will find their way over to play for Hawai'i."

And the family will find ways to follow their exploits.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.