By his surprising return to the University of Hawai'i, and in so many words that accompanied the announcement, Colt Brennan has demonstrated he believes in the Warriors. Passionately so.

Not only for the 2007 season, when he'll quarterback them, but for the future when he is hopefully slinging touchdowns for pay. "It wasn't just about being a part of this season but helping (advance) the program," Brennan said.

Indeed, Brennan could have skipped off to the pros and his presence in the NFL would have benefitted UH. He could have written a nice check to his alma mater after draft day and been done with it.

But he chose to return and invest what is most precious right now, a season of his time and effort, in the program.

Now, you'd like to see UH and the community reciprocate by matching that gift and its spirit.

Brennan's father, Terry, suggested UH could start "with putting soap in the locker room and showerheads on the showers." It should be noted he didn't seem to be joking.

What would seem to be this most elementary of requests was a wish of some standing for the Warriors in 2006 and indicative of other, larger concerns. For as the quarterback noted, "if you look around and see these facilities, a lot of the things here at this program are not Division I."

Brennan's return and the goodwill and interest it is already engendering provide a launching point for improvements rarely seen. Ones that should be capitalized upon, not squandered.

In fact, had UH started its season ticket renewals yesterday, you'd have to think they'd already be off to a blazing start. That the days of having to beseech reluctant buyers in the spring would be over. Along with an end to crowds in the 20,000s and 30,000s.

There have been plans in the works for nearly a month now to come out early with sales and ride the momentum that began in mid-season and carried on through the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl triumph. But, then, among other things, it is hard to start selling renewals when customers don't know who the team will be playing. People want to believe and want to belong. But they also like to know what they are paying for.

Having a Heisman Trophy candidate is great, but so is a schedule that will allow UH to showcase him. You want to believe that UH can make the appropriate match, but right now all we have is faith to go on since the school has yet to announce how it plans to fill those final 4 pukas.

In less than eight months Brennan — schedule willing — will be behind center for the first snap of the season. In the meantime, Brennan's return has put the ball in UH's hands to improve the program.

Here's hoping it makes the most of a golden opportunity.

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