Feature article on how the UH football team represents Hawaii and the rest of Polynesia

KWO = Ka Wai Ola


About how the UH football team is the team of Polynesia, Mana Silva said:
"We carry a huge weight on our shoulders in that we are the team of Polynesia. Coach Mac always stresses that we are Hawai'i's team, and we are the only team in Hawai'i of this caliber. So we carry the responsibility of representing the university, the state, and the people of Hawai'i and beyond with pride." (KWO)


About how their team represents the state of Hawaii, and the players represent their families and heritage, Mack said:
"That is why we wear Hawai'i on the front of our jersey to represent the university and the state. And we wear our names on the back because we really believe it's important for the players to represent their own family and heritage." (KWO)


About how they need to be good people and represent the values they were raised with, Silva said:
"I came from humble beginnings and I understand how far I've come. We're always out there in front of the public, so we need to be good people individually and as a team. We need to stick with the morals and values that we're brought up with." (KWO)


About how he plays for his Mom first and for his Hawaiian heritage second, Haku Correa said:
"She's always been the rock in the family. And she's helped me to understand what it means to have Hawaiian blood. Hawaiians have
always struggled. Whether it be to get their land back or hold on to their way of life. So I try to play for our Hawaiian people, especially the kids. They all look up to us so it's important for us to represent Polynesia. From the Samoans and Tongans to Hawaiians, it's a great opportunity for all of us." (KWO)


About how they always see a bit of Hawaii in the stands even on road trips, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"Even when we go into a hostile environment we always see a bit of the Islands. It feels good when we look into the stands and see green, or ti leaf or the Hawaiian flag. Especially the flag. It really brings up a sense of pride and makes us want to play harder for our fans on the road and at home." (KWO)


KWO Note: "A 2007 graduate of Kamehameha Schools-Kapälama, Meatoga says his family taught him about having the warrior spirit from a young age. To be fierce, but respectful. And above all, to never quit. But he learned the true meaning of 'ohana during the Warriors' undefeated and unforgettable 2008 campaign. His mom Lynette lost her lengthy battle with breast cancer just weeks before the team's New Year's Day Sugar Bowl appearance in New Orleans. Although he missed the game, Meatoga says he gained so much more."


About how their team is a family, Meatoga said:
"The feeling of the team here with the aloha spirit I think is so much different than any other place. The players understand we are brothers and they were all there for me and my family. And the coaches always emphasize the Hawaiian spirit when they talk to us on the field or in team meetings." (KWO)


About how without Hawaiian values their team would just be another football team, Mack said:
"I want to play the best players we have, so I don't care what color, or religion they are. But I do care that they understand what it means to represent the people of Hawai'i and to represent the Polynesian culture." (KWO)


About the pride they feel about representing their home state, Geordon Hanohano said:
"We feel the pride when we put on that uniform because we chose to be Warriors. For us it's about respect because many of us chose to stay home and represent our state. We're not people who just came here because it's Hawai'i and it's a great place. We came here because we're Hawaiian and we are Warriors." (KWO)


About how they don't back down no matter how formidable their opponent, Hanohano said:
"We are known across the country for being physical. So we don't care if we're taking on one of those big teams like USC or Alabama. For us it's all about looking out for one another. If we come together as brothers and trust each other, then we'll be fine. And hopefully our opponents will leave town knowing they were in a battle regardless of what the final score was." (KWO)


About how they win more recruiting battles than they lose with Pac-10, Big 12, and other schools when it comes to players of Polynesian descent, Mack said:
"When players sign on to become a Warrior, they're saying they want to be part of something special. If they don't have some family or cultural connection, then they will probably choose a mainland school and stay close to home. But when they choose to come to Hawai'i, they are choosing to become part of an 'ohana which is something we embrace and take very seriously." (KWO)


About how a true Warrior is measured by more than just wins and losses, Mack said:
"Number one, we represent the people of Hawai'i. And number two, we represent Polynesian people and culture all over the world. Make no mistake about it, we want to win. But it's so special to be part of this particular team. When we see small kids coming up and wanting to learn the haka, or we hear about people who pray for us because they care so deeply. It's amazing how much people care about us and it's really from the heart. That's why this is the best job I've ever had." (KWO)


http://www.oha.org/kwo/2010/08/KWO1008.pdf