Tatupu has national
honor named for him

The award will be presented at the
Hula Bowl to America's top
special teams player

By Dave Reardon
Special to the Star-Bulletin

Mosi Tatupu last night confirmed that an annual award, to be given at the Hooters Hula Bowl Maui to the nation's top college football special teams player, is being named for him.

"I was quite surprised," Tatupu said from his Plainville, Mass., home. "Quite surprised and quite honored. I didn't expect something like this just for doing my job."

Apparently, Hula Bowl, Honolulu and Maui Quarterback Clubs, and American College Football Association officials believed he did that job well enough to earn the recognition. Two Mosi Tatupu Special Teams Award trophy designs -- a perpetual one that will remain in Hawaii and one that will be given to Tatupu and each winner of the award -- are being made in Tatupu's likeness.

Bowl Games of Hawaii chief executive officer Lenny Klompus announced last summer that the Hula Bowl, a college all-star game, would host the then- unnamed award and the winner each year would be invited to play in the game. In addition, a scholarship would be awarded.

Officials searched for a namesake who embodied outstanding special teams play and is a positive force in his community.

Tatupu, who played in the 1978 Hula Bowl, was a standout player at Punahou School, the University of Southern California and the New England Patriots of the NFL. He held many Hawaii high school rushing records and played for the Patriots from 1978 to 1990.

Until recently, Tatupu held the NFL career record for most games played as a running back. But he is more widely known for his play on special teams. He played here in the 1986 Pro Bowl as a special teams selection.

Tatupu is active in charity events year-round throughout the Boston area. He makes public appearances with his former teammates in support of causes such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education and other youth services.

Tatupu said he looks forward to attending the Hula Bowl and presenting the award.

"We've settled in the New England area because the kids are happy here and I've networked a lot here," he said. "But I always look forward to coming home."

The Hula Bowl will be played Jan. 18 at Maui's War Memorial Stadium (which is being renovated to seat more than 20,000) for the first time.

Klompus made an official announcement today regarding the award at the weekly meeting of the Honolulu Quarterback Club. The first winner of the award will be announced Dec. 8, also at the Quarterback Club.