‘Game On’ nets $135K for UH athletics

HONOLULU — The “Game On” fundraiser at the University of Hawai‘i’s Stan Sheriff Center late Thursday netted $135,000 for the renovation of coaches’ offices in the athletics complex. More than 600 people attended the event, which honored new Athletics Director Jim Donovan and Head Football Coach Greg McMackin.

“It was a fantastic event and I was totally overwhelmed by the support from the entire community,” Donovan said in a release. “There was so much positive energy in the room and you could feel an incredible sense of togetherness and ‘ohana. UH athletics belongs to the Hawai‘i community and this event demonstrated what is possible when we work toward common goals. I am more optimistic than ever about the future of UH Athletics and I want to extend a warm mahalo to all those involved in making ‘Game On’ a successful event.”

“It was an incredible evening filled with aloha and wonderful fan support,” McMackin said. “It really elevated the excitement and enthusiasm of our entire coaching staff as we head into practices for the upcoming football season. The love that the people of Hawai‘i have for UH athletics was clearly on display at this fantastic event.”

Hawai‘i currently has seven athletes with Kaua‘i ties returning to the rosters this year. Keala and Keahi Watson, Kenny Estes, Vaughn Meatoga and Jett Jasper will participate in fall camp starting next week. Mari Punzal and Emma Makepa-Foley return to the soccer program.

There are three incoming freshman who expect to compete for Hawai‘i this year. Kaua‘i High School graduate Jamilee Jimenez accepted a scholarship to join the track and field team and will also play soccer. Joining her will be fellow Kaua‘i grad Tiffany Ikeda-Simao. Lihu‘e’s T.J. Kua, a Kamehameha Schools graduate, accepted a scholarship to join the golf team.