Keeping Score
IT gives the phrase "Playing at a higher level'' new meaning.That's what four feet of dirt has done for the Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium. Softball field has
its share of angelsHawaii's newest athletic facility was rededicated Saturday, not just with a maile lei and a blessing, but with a renewed commitment by university officials.
The enclosed field is now eligible to host NCAA postseason play. As assistant athletic director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano told several hundred spectators Saturday, the problems with the field are in the past as the Wahine look forward to the being at home for future playoffs.
The stadium is first-class, complete with sunken dugouts and other specifications that Wahine softball coach Bob Coolen had originally wanted. He was told it would be too expensive for some of his wishes.
However, a flawed design led to major reconstruction of the field. Ninety percent of the fans in the stands couldn't see home plate when the stadium was first completed in late 1997.
Saturday, the view was perfect from all angles. Including those from the sunken dugouts Coolen had asked for initially.
"Funny how things work out,'' said longtime assistant softball coach John Nakamura. "Some things are just meant to be.''
IF there weren't angels in the infield before, there are now. Kumu Kordell Kekoa, when blessing the field, asked that some be placed there to keep the players safe during games.
There are also some monetary angels in the outfield, by the looks of the corporate ad banners. One belonged to Diebold Inc., whose general manager Mychal Kempt, was physically in left field during Saturday's celebrity and alumnae game against Baywatch Hawaii.
Kempt, an avid softball player, made several spectacular run-saving catches in left. It wasn't enough as his team fell to Baywatch, 6-5.
Diebold Inc., a financial equipment company, is one of the new sponsors of UH athletics. The company's commitment began this season and includes the "Diebold Defensive Play of the Game'' contest in football, Midnight Ohana in basketball and Wahine softball.
Kempt was destined to become involved with UH athletics. He grew up in Aloha, Ore., where he played for the Aloha Warriors.
"Our football helmets had the Rainbow Warrior logo on them,'' said Kempt, an all-conference linebacker for Montana State (1985-89). "I think I was destined for the Aloha State. I even had a link to (head football coach) June Jones.''
Kempt said he began following Jones' record-setting career at Portland State and watched his playing and coaching progress in the CFL and NFL.
"My family has always pulled for June,'' said Kempt, who moved to Hawaii in 1997. "But I had never met him before this year. It was like a dream.
"You grow up watching this college legend go on to the pros. Then you go play football but your dream to go on to the next level doesn't work out. A wife and three sons later, here's this guy from your childhood talking to you about his team.
"We signed on before football season started. It looks like we picked a good horse. But even if the team was 0-9, our sponsorship would be the same. I realize what sports did for me and this is my way of giving back."
Some things are just meant to be.
Cindy Luis is a Star-Bulletin sportswriter.
Her column appears weekly.