Feature on Kyle Kamau and the rest of UH's support staff

If not for a broken arm his senior season of high school, Kyle Kamau might be a University of Hawaii football player.
About how his father Keoki was a longtime athletic trainer with the Redskins and Chargers (and his grandfather George worked with the Pro Bowl players for many years) so he grew up with NFL stars as playmates, UH football manager Kyle Kamau said:
"It was unbelievable. Junior Seau, Rodney Harrison ... When we were little they'd push us around in the laundry carts. They made me feel welcome. Always fun to hang out with, had a good time with them." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The work day for Kamau and most of the other 20 students, volunteers and professionals who make up the support staff on the road begins at least an hour before the team's practices, which are usually early in the morning. And it doesn't end until long after practice, with preparations for the next day completed."


Praising Kyle Kamau, UH football team travel coordinator Lori Figueroa said:
"He's a tremendous asset to the team. He never complains, never gives a hint that he might think something is not within his job description." (HSA)


Mack calls Kamau (who drives him to and from practice in a golf cart):
"one of my right-hand guys. Kyle is like family. His father was at San Jose State when I was there and we became good friends. He does a lot more than a manager; he's sort of like my personal assistant." (HSA)


About how people don't see the support staff during games because they focus on the players and coaches, Figueroa said:
"People just see the players coming out of the tunnel. They don't realize what it takes behind the scenes by a lot of people to make it happen." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Some aren't even being paid, or, like Kamau, being reimbursed with a scholarship."


About how Shay Yanagi travels with the team at his own expense and volunteers in the equipment room, Figueroa said:
"That man pays his own way and he busts his butt helping the equipment guys." (HSA)


About how Kamau tried out for their team last offseason and realized he'd have to give up his manager's scholarship if he made the team, Mack said:
"He'd really like to play, but he's so valuable in this role. He has great organizational skills. He's the kind of person I'd like to hire as a football operations guy." (HSA)


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