LIHUE — There are lots of things to be proud of at the University of Hawaii, said football head coach Norm Chow, Friday night. “We have the hard work put forth by Sean (Shigematsu) and Saui (Matagiese),” said Chow during
LIHUE — There are lots of things to be proud of at the University of Hawaii, said football head coach Norm Chow, Friday night.
“We have the hard work put forth by Sean (Shigematsu) and Saui (Matagiese),” said Chow during the Meet the Coach event at Kauai Community College Fine Dining Facility. “I am proud of the support we get, and I am proud of these boys. Last year, they never quit despite the score. They practice hard, and play just as hard.”
Chow was on hand with offensive coordinator Aaron Price and offensive line coach Chris Naeole to meet with fans and supporters of the University of Hawaii during the Meet the Coach event, a fundraiser for Na Koa football club.
Savoring heavy pupu from Mark’s Place, Hawaii fans could view video of past games, shop through the Rainbowtique offerings presented by Noel Mock and the Kauai Community College bookstore, and just talk football with the many guests, including former Hawaii player Michael Tresler, Kapaa football coach Kelii Morgado, Tommy Rita and others involved in football.
Naeole is from Kahuku, the North Shore of Oahu,” said Ross Kagawa, a Kauai County Councilman and former player with the Hawaii baseball program.
Price said he has been dreaming of being a coach for Hawaii, and when the offer was made, it was like a dream come true.
Chow said currently the main goal of the football program is to graduate the athletes.
“The No. 2 goal is to teach life lessons,” Chow said. “There is no other game which can teach life lessons. You cannot win until you get the first two done.”
He said Kauai can be proud of the two big time players in Shigematsu on the offensive line, and Matagiese on the defensive line.
“The boys are raring to go,” Chow said. “In June, we work hard. We take July off, and in August, I say goodbye to my wife until the end of football season.”
He said everyone understands the responsibility and are trying to make progress.
“Our schedule is challenging and daunting,” Chow said. “We open on Aug. 29 against (University of Southern California) followed by Oregon State, and then Fresno. I’m excited for the challenge. We can look forward because of boys like Shigs (Sean Shigematsu) and Saui (Siasau Matagiese), and Kauai can be proud of them.”
Joining the Hawaii coaching staff, Shigematsu came home for the weekend to greet the Hawaii supporters.
“Support is really big for the team,” Shigematsu said. “I play for everyone who is in this room — especially for Delroy and Cindy, my parents. I would not be here if it was not for all they have done for me.”
Matagiese, however, had other commitments, but in the midst of the program, interrupted the proceedings with a text message he sent his parents saying he is proud to represent Kauai.
The event was emceed by Dickie Chang of Walaau Productions with Bruce Smalling manning a video camera for a future Walaau show.
Visit www.hawaiiathletics.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
