As the University of Hawai‘i football team goes into Friday’s sold-out game against Boise State University with an undefeated record, die-hard fan Trish Moura will be at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Lihu‘e cheering on the Warriors. “I’m a big
As the University of Hawai‘i football team goes into Friday’s sold-out game against Boise State University with an undefeated record, die-hard fan Trish Moura will be at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Lihu‘e cheering on the Warriors.
“I’m a big Warrior fan,” Maura said. “I’m an island girl, I can’t help it.”
Maura isn’t the only one caught up in Warrior fever. According to Jason DelosReyes, manager of LIDS — a sportswear shop — at the Kukui Grove Center, visitors and locals are getting caught up in the Warrior’s growing popularity.
“People from the Mainland are buying a lot of hats,” DelosReyes said. “People like to watch Colt Brennan and the exciting offense.”
Even local hotspots are getting their share of Warrior fans, from locals and visitors alike.
At JJ’s Broiler in Lihu‘e, manager Diana Tarinio explained that the restaurant gets the games through pay-per-view and doesn’t have to worry about the games being blacked out.
Games are blocked out when channels like ESPN have contracts that obligate them to black out areas.
These areas are determined by teams, leagues and conferences in order to protect local and regional television commitments and/or protect ticket sales.
Tarinio said JJ’s has been busy during UH games, but not as busy when the games are televised for free.
“There’s a crowd in here, but it isn’t the same as when the games are blacked out,” Tarinio said.
Lisa Masterson, bartender at Rob’s, knows it will be packed for Friday’s game.
“It’s going to be standing room only,” Masterson said. “Because of the game and the holiday weekend.”
Masterson added that there will be no reservations taken for Friday and it will be first come, first served.
The game will be broadcast on most, if not all of the nine televisions throughout Rob’s.
“It’s intense,” Maura said. “Everyone in here is a UH fan. It’s one of the best atmospheres.”
Excitement has been rising for the Warriors over the past few weeks, especially after last Friday’s nailbiter against Nevada.
Trailing 26-25 at the end of the fourth quarter, Hawaii’s Dan Kelly kicked a 45-yard field goal with just 11 seconds remaining. Starting quarterback Tyler Graunke took the Warriors 61 yards to setup Kelly’s kick.
The UH game will air on ESPN2 Friday at 4 p.m.
• Rachel Gehrlein, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or rgehrlein@kauaipubco.com.
