Supporting Na Koa

PUHI — Randy Nishimura and Lance Yamaguchi were presented pairs of season tickets for the University of Hawaii football season Thursday by University of Hawaii head football coach Nick Rolovich.

The pair of long-time Hawaii Rainbow Warrior football supporters also received logowear footballs autographed by Rolovich through the arrangements of Dickie Chang and Mark Oyama.

These were just a part of the premiums distributed during Na Koa Football Club’s Meet the Coach event Thursday night at Kauai Community College.

Several hundred people had an opportunity to meet the coach, who was wrapping up a trip where he spearheaded a football clinic for Kauai’s young aspiring football players on Wednesday.

“I just got off the plane from Hawaii on the Hill,” said Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo. “I came straight from the airport.”

Oyama was pleased with the turnout, an indication of support for Rolovich and his football program.

“I went to a Hawaii football game last year,” said Dave Hinazumi of the Grove Farm Company. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a UH game, and after meeting Rolo, I’m in.”

The University of Hawaii opens its season on Aug. 26 with an away game against Massachusetts. The Rainbow Warriors will play their first home game at Aloha Stadium on Sept. 2 against Western Carolina.