LIHU‘E — Sean Michael Shigematsu of the University of Hawai‘i Warriors football team took advantage of spring break to introduce some of his football teammates to Kaua‘i. Tuesday, five Hawai‘i Warrior football players spent time at the Garden Isle Healthcare
LIHU‘E — Sean Michael Shigematsu of the University of Hawai‘i Warriors football team took advantage of spring break to introduce some of his football teammates to Kaua‘i.
Tuesday, five Hawai‘i Warrior football players spent time at the Garden Isle Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center located in Wilcox Memorial Hospital Long Term Care unit, visiting with kupuna and staff.
Joining Kaua‘i boy Sean Michael Shigematsu were Kody Afusia, Chauncy Winchester-Makainanai, Craig Cofer and Charles Clay.
The other Kaua‘i native playing on the Hawai‘i football team is Waimea High School graduate Saui Matagiese, who was not available to join the group during the visit with kupuna.
“We had one resident who was so happy, tears were running down his cheek,” said a nurse at the facility.
The gentleman lived in Wailua and watched Sean Michael grow up, Sean Michael’s dad, Delroy, relaying the information to the Hawai‘i junior offensive tackle, who graduated from Kapa‘a High School.
“It’s good to get away from everything,” said Clay, a senior defensive lineman, who came over to enjoy camping at ‘Anini Beach during the break. “We go back to practice next week.”
Delroy said the public will have an opportunity to meet the Warrior football team when the University of Hawai‘i hosts the Green-and-White game at Vidinha Stadium on April 20 with warmups starting at 11 a.m.
Following the scrimmage game, the team will be available for autographs.
He added that Mark Oyama of Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering is also planning to do another Na Koa fundraiser at Kaua‘i Community College’s fine dining facility in June.
The University of Hawai‘i football team, under Head Coach Norm Chow, has its first game scheduled for Aug. 29 against USC at Aloha Stadium with a kickoff time to be announced.
Visit www.hawaiiathletics.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
