Nearly 100 new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students participated in the first ever runout across the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex field before the UH football team took on New Mexico State Saturday, September 12. The runout is a long-standing tradition at several colleges and universities around the country to mark the new students’ journey as part of the campus.
“I think running on the field and getting to see all the fans was really fun and the cheering and how excited everyone was, it really just pumped up the game,” said new student Tiana Pardini.
“The whole atmosphere of the tunnel with everyone cheering,” fellow new student, Gabrial Guardado, said. “I thought it was all just a great experience.”
The students helped to fire up the crowd before the opening kickoff and helped propel the ‘Bows to their first win of the 2026 season.
“We are looking at ways to have our students find experiences on campus that help them to create memories and community as part of their college journey,” said Interim Vice Provost for Student Success Kapā Oliveira. “The energy and excitement of this moment is something we hope the students will carry on with them through their time at UH Mānoa.”
Each participant received a free T-shirt to commemorate the experience.
“Watching UH students run across the field before the football game was a memorable sight,” said Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “The energy, excitement, and school spirit they brought with them made it a moment of celebration for the community. All students are a part of Our Team, Hawaiʻi’s team!”
The UH Athletics Marketing team invited new students to sign up during the Fall New Student Orientation that was organized by the Office of Vice Provost for Student Success.
The runout gave new students a chance to connect with the UH community and experience the excitement of supporting Rainbow Warrior football directly from the field. The students then got to watch the Rainbow Warriors defeat the Lobos 29–19.
