First off, a quick correction. Friday’s column discussed the two Division II championship games that could impact Kapaa’s chances at receiving a bye in the state tournament. I stated that both were to have occurred this past Friday, but the
First off, a quick correction. Friday’s column discussed the two Division II championship games that could impact Kapaa’s chances at receiving a bye in the state tournament. I stated that both were to have occurred this past Friday, but the Radford-Kaimuki game is actually this coming Friday (Oct. 30). Apparently I’m not very good when it comes to dates.
Take that however you will.
But on to the topic at hand.
There are varying degrees of fandom. Some are casual, some are knowledgeable, some represent the root word and are fanatical. But there are other times when sports fans can become fair-weathered, or even downright adversarial. These are the times that really try the relationship between both fan and organization.
For all they seemed to be doing to prevent that occurrence and rebuild the relationship, things are slipping back in that direction for Hawaii football.
Saturday was another brutal loss for the Rainbow Warriors, who ran out to a 17-0 second-quarter lead against favored Nevada, only to see that lead disappear in an eventual 30-20 defeat. The Wolfpack (4-4, 2-2 Mountain West) scored the game’s final 17 points in the fourth quarter en route to their homecoming victory.
Last week, Hawaii held a 10-point halftime lead before New Mexico came back to with the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute for a 28-27 win. Afterwards I wrote about how developing a winning attitude is a huge part of the college football process and that Hawaii hasn’t shown an expectation to win these types of games. That remains the case.
After this most recent loss, the Twitter faithful weren’t shy about voicing their 140-character opinions, most having to do with Coach Norm Chow and whether or not the team was worth supporting.
“The fact that the post game commentary centers more around the coach than the performance of the team, is a sign for change,” tweeted one commenter.
“I wonder if more people show up to St Louis-Punahou tonight than UH-Air Force next week,” wrote another.
“I support our student athletes 100%. But Norm is ineffective as a coach. We see the reasons every week. Imua Warriors! #FireChow”
That final quote seems to capture the overwhelming sentiment. Nobody wants to make this about the players. Those in Warrior uniforms still have the support of the die-hards, but most of the blame has remained heavily on Coach Chow’s shoulders.
Showing up for your team during hard times is a badge of honor. Believe me, I know that many of the blue and orange jersey wearers around the metropolitan area right now wouldn’t have been able to identify Josh Thole or Andres Torres just three years ago. But many who could are savoring this year’s Mets World Series ride as an even sweeter journey.
It’s easy to cheer for a team that’s doing well, just like it’s easy to be a friend during the good times. The hard times are what shine a light on the relationship and provide an honest reflection.
During the first Kapaa-Waimea matchup this season, the Menehune faithful were exactly that the entire night, despite the Warriors rolling to a 58-0 win. But Waimea’s bleachers remained full and the cheers were just as loud in the second half as the first. The hand clapping, feet stomping and “woos” were just as emphatic and there was a chorus of approval for even the slightest of positive plays.
That seems less than likely to be the case Saturday against Air Force.
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David Simon can be reached at dsimon@thegardenisland.com.
