Lounging around at Starbuck’s before work, a number of Kaua’i’s coaches and county employees like to talk story. The subject ranges daily, from current events, to ways to help fix the county’s problems, to family, just like most people. But
Lounging around at Starbuck’s before work, a number of Kaua’i’s coaches and county employees like to talk story.
The subject ranges daily, from current events, to ways to help fix the county’s problems, to family, just like most people.
But since a number of the regulars are also sports coaches, this week one of the main subjects has been football and the Super Bowl.
“None of our teams made it,” said County Councilman Mel Rapozo.
So the regulars at the coffee roundtable are mixed.
Paola Simmons, a Starbucks employee said she has the day off, and now that the informal “quarterback club” was talking about it, she’ll be sure to take in the big game.
Wanda Shibata, the only woman in the informal morning gather, had the tabs on who was doing what for the “big” parties that’ll take place around the island, noting some served wine, some were known for the pupu, and others for the gamesmanship.
TGI Business editor went right to the core, “Carolina, 19-17!” while across the way, fireman Solomon Kanoho said it would be bad luck to reveal.
Rapozo, a St. Louis Rams fans, is rooting for the underdog Carolina Panthers.
“They got nice helmets,” joked Rapozo.
“I like the underdog. They are on a mission this year,” he added, naming the cancer battle of Linebacker Mark Fields and linebackers coach Sam Mills since the beginning of the year as an example.
“They got more heart, more desire,” he added.
But for most average football fan, Rapozo predicted the most important thing: a close game.
Duane Souza, taking his leave to open up shop, put in his prediction laughing as he left, “I’ll give you the inside scoop – the Rams are going to take it!”
“Yeah, I agree,” said Michael Basilio of ‘Ele’ele, a student at Kaua’i Community College, and color man for football announcer Joel Pahukula of KQNG Radio.
“All of the playoff games have been close,” Rapozo added. Plus, the teams are both defensive specialists, so he expects a hard-hitting, close game.
Outside the bustling morning coffee traffic, Jim Jasper predicted New England to take the contest while his coffee partner, Dick Brigg of South Dakota predicted the Panthers, noting, “I’m going for the ‘loser.'”
Pop Warner coach Trent Shimabukuro had the opportunity to meet Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady at the Quarterback Challenge a few years ago.
“He’s so skinny,” he said. “He didn’t even look like a football player.”
But for the second time in three years Brady has led his team to the Super Bowl, and he added, he’s a genuine, nice man as well.
With the personal connection, Shimabukuro predicts the Patriots to win on Sunday.
Other members of the coffee crowd agreed, and another thing that will be in agreement – all eyes will be glued to the TV sets at 1:26 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1.
