Former head coach Bob Wagner with head coach Greg McMackin

Over 1,000 people celebrating 100 years of Hawaiʻi football

Nearly a thousand University of Hawaiʻi football supporters gathered Dec. 2, 2009 at the Sheraton Waikīkī hotel for the Centennial Celebration Gala—a tribute to the football program reaching its 100-year milestone.

The event raised $275,000 for UH football through numerous special donors, sponsors, ticket sales and silent and live auctions. About $100,000 is earmarked for immediate needs in support of the football program. The balance will be used to create an endowment to provide a continuous flow of funds in the future.

Keynote speaker was NFL football analyst Dick Vermeil, who coached Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams. Attendees received a copy of a 20-minute Hawaiʻi football highlight video produced by Hawaiʻi sportscasters Robert Kekaula and Rob DeMello and a commemorative 100th anniversary coin.

About 50 former players received a replica jersey and polo shirt at a pre-reception event hosted by Chevron Hawaiʻi.

Football alumni also were invited on the Aloha Stadium field to welcome the Warriors before the final game of the 2009 season Dec. 5 against Wisconsin.

Support UH Mānoa athletics with a dedicated gift to the UH Foundation. Information on club memberships, corporate sponsorships and other options at the ʻAhahui Koa Ānuenue website.

Tags: athletics, football, Jan10 issue, Rainbow Warriors, UH Manoa