University of Hawai'i officials are airing new radio, TV and print ads featuring a "good sportsmanship" message from coach June Jones to try to calm the sometimes rowdy crowds at Aloha Stadium before the start of the next two sellout games for the undefeated Warriors.

Jones offers an identical message in each of the ads, reminding viewers and listeners that the UH football players have "brought national recognition to the University of Hawai'i and our state with their performance on the field this season."

"Likewise the performance of our fans can impact our national image. Therefore, let's show our aloha spirit and exhibit good sportsmanship towards our visitors and each other.

"Also, for the safety of our players, please refrain from throwing paper or other objects on the field."

The message concludes, "This is Hawai'i's time to shine. Let's make the most of it."

Print versions of the ad will be published in the sports sections of The Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin tomorrow and Friday, and were included in the UH Athletics Department's H-Mail newsletter sent out this week.

ADDRESSING FEEDBACK

Radio advertisements are also scheduled, and a 30-second television commercial by Jones featuring the same message airs this week on KGMB, KITV, KHON, KHNL and KFVE as well as several channels on the Oceanic Time Warner Cable system.

John McNamara, associate athletic director for external affairs, said the print and electronic media outlets donated time and advertising space for the sportsmanship announcements.

The ad grew out of meetings between UH and Aloha Stadium officials to review game-day security, including a meeting in the wake of the Fresno State game.

A widely circulated posting on the www.barkboard.com message board for Fresno State fans painted an ugly picture of UH fan conduct during that game on Nov. 10, alleging supporters of the visiting Fresno team were cursed and spat on by UH fans, pelted with paper and plastic water bottles and allegedly attacked by members of the hometown crowd.

McNamara said security discussions have been ongoing, "but we met specifically after the Fresno State game to address some of the feedback we received."

SELLOUTS EXPECTED

UH athletic officials are aware of the www.barkboard.com posting, and "we evaluated it and there's always two sides to every story, but we did take it seriously because in our minds even one incident is too much," McNamara said.

"I just think as we brainstormed all the different measures we could take to communicate to the fans their responsibilities as far as helping ensure a quality game environment, and the idea of doing a public service announcement featuring June Jones was borne out of those conversations."

UH and stadium officials are preparing for sellout crowds of 50,000 for the Boise State game Friday and for the University of Washington game on Dec. 1.

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com.