University of Hawai‘i head football coach June Jones had a busy day Saturday as he opened up Na Koa’s fundraising golf tournament at the Puakea Golf Course. The annual event draws community organizations and their representatives to the golf course
University of Hawai‘i head football coach June Jones had a busy day Saturday as he opened up Na Koa’s fundraising golf tournament at the Puakea Golf Course.
The annual event draws community organizations and their representatives to the golf course for the three-person modified scramble.
UH assistant coaches George Lumpkin and Jeff Reinebold, who were here a week ago helping out with the Speed & Quickness Defensive Football Clinic, returned for a homecoming of sorts as they chatted with Michael Tresler, a former Rainbow player who is now a Kaua‘i High School coach.
Golfers who took part in the tournament had an opportunity to chat and play with the UH coaching staff as well as enjoy a buffet lunch following the tournament.
Shirley Tani of the UH Foundation said Casey Watabu, who recently won the Public Links tournament, was expected to make an appearance at the luncheon as well.
Some of the newer UH logowear also was available for golfers to purchase.
Danford Oshima, Russ Boyer and Riley Mende took first-place, followed by the team of Craig Haruki, Kurt Osaki and Del-Marc Fujita. Greg McKeown, Christian McKeown and Enoch McKeague won third.
Dave Walker was the winner of the three-day, two-night stay at the Hilton Waikaloa prize, with Russell Nakata pocketing the $100 cash drawing.
Jett Jasper, a Kaua‘i High School graduate, was up early as he helped Paul Ito and Pat Hunt get the golfers prepare for the start.
Jasper, who is aspiring to walk on to the UH football program, said, “This is all part of the deal. You need to let the coaches see you.”
As the caravan of golf carts rolled off the Puakea Golf Course staging area, Jasper watched the last one head to their respective start area.
“I guess I’ll go find some breakfast now,” he said.
For Jones, the day was only starting — the head coach was scheduled to deliver an address at the first Grove Farm ‘Ohana Night scheduled for Saturday night.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
