When Reagan Mauia straps on his helmet for today's Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl, the rugged running back will do so with his beloved Hawai'i on his mind.

"I don't put on this helmet just to protect my head," said Mauia, who played for the hometown University of Hawai'i. "I put on this helmet to represent the 'H' on the side of it."

Mauia is one of seven Warriors who will suit up for the Kai team in the 61st Hula Bowl. The senior all-star game is Hawai'i's longest running sports attraction, and will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and be shown on ESPN.

"Hawai'i has done a lot of good for me," said Mauia, who endeared himself to fans with his hard-nosed running and blocking. "This is just me giving thanks back to the people of the '808' state that have shown me so much love out here."

Mauia's Hawai'i teammates are safety Leonard Peters, running back Nate Ilaoa, offensive tackle Dane Uperesa, wide receiver Ross Dickerson and defensive ends Ikaika Alama-Francis and Mel Purcell.

The seniors helped Hawai'i (11-3) tie a school record for victories and were part of the most potent offense in NCAA Division I this season, averaging more than 47 points per game.

"I was really happy for the way they played this year," said Fresno State coach Pat Hill, who will guide the Hawai'i players on the Kai team. "I've seen them from the opposite sideline for so long. It's great working with them."

The Hula Bowl features 108 players who are auditioning for the NFL and other professional leagues.

A proud Hawai'i coach June Jones visited Hula Bowl practice this week and gave advice to his players.

"You tell them the same thing, 'You practice hard, and go like it's a game every play,' " said Jones, who became the program's all-time winningest coach this year with his 64th victory over eight seasons. "This senior group has been great. I'm happy we have a lot of kids getting looked at."

Hawai'i players gave one another compliments and encouragement last week, and said they will cherish their final collegiate game at Aloha Stadium.

"This means a lot," Uperesa said. "I get to play with these guys — Reagan and Nate — and I get to block for them. As a senior, you're missing them already."

Added Purcell: "It's good to play with some of the top guys in the nation. There's good camaraderie here, hanging out with every player on the team."

Even Western Athletic Conference rivals such as Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky said he looked forward to playing with the Hawai'i contingent on the Kai team. Boise State, the WAC champion, went 13-0 this season.

"A lot of those guys, like Leonard Peters, I get along with on the football field," said Zabransky, the Fiesta Bowl offensive MVP. "I usually don't with my opponents, but I'm excited to do that and it's going to be a fun game."

The Hula Bowl will feature five other players with Hawai'i ties on the Kai team.

They are Oregon offensive guard Palauni Ma Sun Jr. (Kahuku High), Harvard center Frank Fernandez (Saint Louis), Utah offensive guard Tavo Tupola (Kahuku High), Nevada wideout Caleb Spencer (Kamehameha) and California defensive tackle Abu Ma'afala (Kamehameha, UH).

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.